Which components are used to correct power factor in a circuit?

Power factor correction is essential in electrical circuits to achieve efficient power consumption and reduce losses. Capacitors are specifically used to correct the power factor because they counteract the inductive effects of motors, transformers, and other inductive loads that commonly cause a lagging power factor.

When an inductive load operates, it draws reactive power, which can lead to lower overall efficiency of the electrical system. By adding capacitors to the circuit, they provide leading reactive power, which helps to balance out the lagging reactive power from the inductive loads. This adjustment leads to a more favorable power factor, improving the system's efficiency and reducing the demand charges on electrical bills.

In contrast, resistors do not correct the power factor; they primarily dissipate energy as heat without contributing to reactive power correction. Inductors, similar to resistors, typically contribute further to a lagging power factor, as they draw reactive power. Transformers can alter voltage and current levels in a circuit but do not directly affect power factor correction. Thus, capacitors are the appropriate component for improving power factor in a circuit.