A resistor is an example of what type of power?

Study for the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Year 2 Part 3 Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to prepare confidently. Get exam-ready now!

A resistor is considered an example of true power because it is a component that converts electrical energy into heat. In a purely resistive circuit, the power consumed is entirely real and measurable in watts. True power represents the actual power that performs useful work in an electrical system, as opposed to just being present without doing any work.

Unlike reactive power, which is related to the energy stored in inductors and capacitors and does not perform any actual work, true power is the energy that results in actual output in the form of heat, light, or mechanical energy. This aligns with how resistors function, as they directly dissipate electrical energy.

Apparent power, which includes both true power and reactive power, represents the total power in an AC circuit, combining both types, but it does not specifically reflect the energy consumed by a resistor alone. Inductive power pertains specifically to systems with inductive loads and is a form of reactive power as well. Thus, focusing on resistive components, true power is the most suitable classification.

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