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In pure inductor circuit, average power is
0
1
∞
1.414
0
Quick Summary: In a pure inductive circuit, the average power dissipated over one complete cycle is zero. This occurs because the inductor stores energy in its magnetic field during one quarter of a cycle and returns that exact same energy to the source in the next quarter cycle.
In a pure inductive circuit, the average power dissipated over one complete cycle is zero. This occurs because the inductor stores energy in its magnetic field during one quarter of a cycle and returns that exact same energy to the source in the next quarter cycle.
Pavg=VrmsIrmscos(ϕ) — General average power formula
ϕ=90° — Phase angle for a pure inductor
In an AC circuit with a pure inductor, the voltage V leads the current I by a phase angle of 90° (π/2 radians). The average power is calculated using the formula Pavg=VrmsIrmscos(ϕ), where ϕ is the phase difference. Since ϕ=90°, cos(90°)=0, leading to zero net power consumption.
A pure inductor is a lossless component.
Power factor (cosϕ) for a pure inductor is 0 (lagging).
Energy is only stored in the magnetic field, not dissipated as heat.
The net work done over a full cycle is zero.
Does not consume real power (no energy wastage).
Used effectively in reactive power compensation.
Cannot be used for heating or lighting purposes.
Causes voltage drops in transmission lines due to inductive reactance.
Induction motors (for magnetic field creation).
Tuned circuits and filters.
Smoothing reactors in power supplies.
Option B (1) represents a purely resistive circuit where phase angle is 0.
Option C (infinity) is physically impossible for passive components.
Option D (1.414) represents the peak factor for a sinusoidal waveform (sqrt2).
A is correct — The average power in a pure inductor is zero because it does not dissipate energy as heat, acting only as an energy storage element.
Remember: Resistors dissipate real power (P=I2R), whereas Inductors and Capacitors only exchange reactive power with the source.