Power factor is a ratio between which two quantities?

Power factor is a measure that reflects the efficiency of the electrical system in converting electric power into useful work output, and it is specifically defined as the ratio of active power to apparent power.

Active power, measured in kilowatts (kW), represents the actual power that performs work in the electrical circuit. Reactive power, on the other hand, is measured in kilovars (kVAR) and does not perform any work but is necessary for the functioning of inductive devices like motors and transformers.

The correct understanding of power factor involves recognizing that it is calculated using the relationship between these two types of power. The power factor is the cosine of the phase angle between current and voltage in an AC system. It is expressed mathematically as the ratio of active power (kW) to apparent power (kVA), where apparent power combines both active and reactive power components.

Thus, the power factor is primarily a relationship between active power and apparent power (which encompasses both active and reactive power). This relationship is fundamental for evaluating how much of the electrical power is being effectively used versus how much is being lost in reactive components. In this context, since the question is about the nature of this ratio, it is essential to identify that the emphasis on k