Apparent Power vs Complex Power: Understand the Difference

[FionaZJ]

What is the difference between apparent power and complex power? How to differentiate them?

 

[anorlunda]

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.

 

[FionaZJ]

But both formula are S=Vrms*Irms ,right? Please correct me if i wrong.

 

[anorlunda]

Yes, RMS quantities are usually used.

 

[FionaZJ]

Okay. Thank you.