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Examoogle • User • info@examoogle.com • EE-2024-8821
Chapter 1 of 12 • Page 1 of 248🔒 Protected PDF • Watermarked
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The value of power factor in pure capacitor circuit is
0
1
∞
VI
0
Quick Summary: In a pure capacitor circuit, the current leads the voltage by a phase angle of $90^\circ$ (${\pi}/2$ radians). Since the power factor is defined as the cosine of this phase angle ($\cos \phi$), and $\cos(90^\circ) = 0$, the power factor of a pure capacitor is exactly 0.
In a pure capacitor circuit, the current leads the voltage by a phase angle of 90° (π/2 radians). Since the power factor is defined as the cosine of this phase angle (cosϕ), and cos(90°)=0, the power factor of a pure capacitor is exactly 0.
P.F.=cos(ϕ) — Definition of Power Factor
ϕ=90° — Phase difference in pure capacitor
A pure capacitor does not dissipate real power; it only stores and releases energy in the form of an electric field. Because the current waveform leads the voltage waveform by 90°, there is no component of current in phase with the voltage, leading to zero active power consumption.
Pure capacitive circuits are purely reactive components.
The power factor is described as 'leading' because the current leads the voltage.
Real power (P=VIcosϕ) consumed by a pure capacitor is always zero.
Used for power factor correction in industrial loads.
Improves voltage regulation in transmission lines.
Cannot be found in practical circuits as they always possess some equivalent series resistance (ESR).
Capacitor banks in power systems.
Filters in electronic power supplies.
A pure resistor has a power factor of 1 (unity).
A pure inductor has a power factor of 0 (lagging).
A is correct — The power factor is 0 because the phase angle between voltage and current in a purely capacitive circuit is 90°, and cos(90°)=0.
Remember: RLC circuits have a power factor between 0 and 1; only ideal reactive elements (L or C) have a power factor of 0.