ELECTRICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

True, Reactive, and Apparent Power http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_2/chpt_11/2.html   We know that reactive loads such as inductors and capacitors dissipate zero power, yet the fact that they drop voltage and draw current gives the deceptive impression that they actually do dissipate power. This “phantom power” is called reactive power, and it is measured in a unit called Volt-Amps-Reactive (VAR), rather than watts. The mathematical symbol for reactive power is (unfortunately) the capital letter Q. The actual amount of power being used, or dissipated, in a circuit is called true power, and it is measured in watts (symbolized by the capital letter P, as always). continue.. Power Factor Triangle http://www.the-power-factor-site.com/Power-Factor-Triangle.html   Vectors are simply another way to draw sine waves. You'll see its not difficult and actually makes things easier. Vectors, as used in this discussion, are representations of a sine wave of current relative to a sine ...