True power, or watts, can be produced only when ____.
A) both current and voltage are either positive or negative
B) current is negative and voltage is positive
C) voltage is negative and current is positive
D) both current and voltage are zero

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

True power, which is the actual power being used in a circuit, can only be produced when both the voltage and current are either positive or negative. When the voltage and current are opposite in polarity, the power produced is called reactive power, which is not useful for doing work. When the voltage and current have different frequencies, the power produced is called apparent power, which is also not useful for doing work. Therefore, the only way to produce true power is when the voltage and current are both positive or both negative.

True Power, or Watts, Can Be Produced Only When ____