Power Factor (PF) is defined as cos(phi). Which option correctly states PF?

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Multiple Choice

Power Factor (PF) is defined as cos(phi). Which option correctly states PF?

Explanation:
Power factor measures how effectively electrical power is converted into useful work. It is defined as the ratio of real power to apparent power, P/S. In AC circuits, real power is P = VI cos(phi) and apparent power is S = VI, so PF = P/S = cos(phi). That’s why the correct expression is cos(phi). The sine of phi relates to reactive power, and the tangent relates to Q/P, not PF. The reciprocal of cos(phi) is not PF either.

Power factor measures how effectively electrical power is converted into useful work. It is defined as the ratio of real power to apparent power, P/S. In AC circuits, real power is P = VI cos(phi) and apparent power is S = VI, so PF = P/S = cos(phi). That’s why the correct expression is cos(phi). The sine of phi relates to reactive power, and the tangent relates to Q/P, not PF. The reciprocal of cos(phi) is not PF either.

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