The power factor in an AC circuit is defined as the ratio of real power (P) to apparent power (S), indicating how effectively the current is being converted into useful work.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
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Q
Q: In an AC circuit, what is the power factor?
Solution: The power factor in an AC circuit is defined as the ratio of real power (P) to apparent power (S), indicating how effectively the current is being converted into useful work.
Steps: 7
Step 1: Understand that an AC circuit is a type of electrical circuit where the current changes direction periodically.
Step 2: Know that power in an AC circuit can be divided into two types: real power (P) and apparent power (S).
Step 3: Real power (P) is the power that actually does useful work, like lighting a bulb or running a motor.
Step 4: Apparent power (S) is the total power that flows in the circuit, which includes both real power and reactive power (power that does not do useful work).
Step 5: The power factor is a number that tells us how much of the apparent power is being used effectively as real power.
Step 6: The formula for power factor is: Power Factor = Real Power (P) / Apparent Power (S).
Step 7: A power factor of 1 means all the power is being used effectively, while a lower power factor means less efficiency.
