What is the power stored in reactance known as?

The concept of power stored in reactance is referred to as Reactive Power. In an AC circuit, reactive power arises from the presence of inductors and capacitors, which store energy temporarily and return it to the circuit. This energy storage and release occur without delivering net energy to the load over a complete cycle, as reactive power essentially oscillates between the source and the reactive components of the circuit.

Reactive Power is measured in volt-amperes reactive (VAR) and is vital in understanding the behavior of AC systems, especially in terms of voltage regulation and system stability. It differs from true power (which represents actual work done), as true power results in energy consumption, whereas reactive power does not contribute to energy consumption but is necessary for creating the electric and magnetic fields required for the operation of inductive and capacitive devices.

This distinction makes Reactive Power crucial for the efficiency of electrical systems and for maintaining voltage levels across the network. Thus, recognizing it as the power associated with reactance is critical for anyone working in electrical systems.