- #1
FionaZJ
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What is the difference between apparent power and complex power? How to differentiate them?
Apparent Power vs Complex Power: Understand the Difference
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Complex power is represented as P+jQ, where P denotes real power and Q signifies reactive power. Apparent power is the magnitude of complex power, calculated as the square root of the sum of the squares of real and reactive power (√(P² + Q²)). Both complex and apparent power can be calculated using the formula S = Vrms * Irms, which involves RMS values. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for analyzing electrical systems effectively. The discussion emphasizes the importance of differentiating between these two types of power in electrical engineering.
- #2
- 11,326
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Complex power is simply IV. It is a complex quantity, not just a single number, typically written as P+jQ, where P is real power and Q is imaginary power.
Apparent power is the magnitude of complex power, ##\sqrt {P^2 +Q^2} ##. Apparent power is just a number, not a complex quantity.
- #3
FionaZJ
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But both formula are S=Vrms*Irms ,right? Please correct me if i wrong.
- #4
- 11,326
- 8,754
Yes, RMS quantities are usually used.
- #5
FionaZJ
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Okay. Thank you.
I grabbed an under cabinet LED light today at a big box store. Nothing special. 18 inches in length and made to plug several lights together. Here is a pic of the power cord:
The drawing on the box led me to believe that it would accept a standard IEC cord which surprised me. But it's a variation of it. I didn't try it, but I would assume you could plug a standard IEC cord into this and have a double male cord AKA suicide cord. And to boot, it's likely going to reverse the hot and...