How is the power factor defined?

The power factor is defined as the ratio of real power to apparent power. Real power, measured in watts, represents the actual power consumed by the electrical devices to perform useful work, such as lighting a bulb or turning a motor. Apparent power, measured in volt-amperes (VA), represents the total power flowing in the circuit, which combines both the real power and the reactive power.

The power factor provides insight into how efficiently the electrical energy is being utilized. A power factor of 1 (or 100%) indicates that all the power is being used effectively for productive work, while a power factor less than 1 indicates that some of the power is being wasted, often due to inductive loads like motors and transformers that require reactive power.

In summary, defining the power factor as the ratio of real power to apparent power helps in assessing the efficiency of electrical systems and in optimizing their performance. Understanding this concept is crucial for managing and improving energy consumption in various applications.