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Re: [Phys-l] Watts and VA



Forum for Physics Educators <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu> writes:
In the simplest case, this depends on the phase between the
voltage an the current. Also higher harmonics play a role.

In particular, the VA can be split into power (in watts)
plus VAR (i.e. volts times amps REACTIVE).

In an AC circuit, with nice simple sine waves, if the current
is 90 degrees out of phase with the voltage, no average power
is flowing, if you average over a complete cycle (or over
multiple cycles).

I guess I've spent too much time in the DC world. Thanks for the reply.

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