1 Answer
No, watts are not apparent power. Watts measure real power (also called active power), which is the actual power that does the useful work in a circuit, such as lighting a bulb or running a motor.
On the other hand, apparent power is measured in volt-amperes (VA) and represents the total power supplied to a circuit, both the power that does useful work (real power) and the power that doesn't (reactive power).
The relationship between real power (P), apparent power (S), and reactive power (Q) can be described by the power triangle:
The formula that relates them is:
\[
S^2 = P^2 + Q^2
\]
So, while watts (real power) tell you how much power is actually being used to do work, apparent power (VA) represents the total power, which includes both real and reactive components.
On the other hand, apparent power is measured in volt-amperes (VA) and represents the total power supplied to a circuit, both the power that does useful work (real power) and the power that doesn't (reactive power).
The relationship between real power (P), apparent power (S), and reactive power (Q) can be described by the power triangle:
- Real Power (P) – Measured in watts (W)
- Apparent Power (S) – Measured in volt-amperes (VA)
- Reactive Power (Q) – Measured in volt-amperes reactive (VAR)
The formula that relates them is:
\[
S^2 = P^2 + Q^2
\]
So, while watts (real power) tell you how much power is actually being used to do work, apparent power (VA) represents the total power, which includes both real and reactive components.