What type of power is created by inductance or capacitance in AC circuits?

The type of power created by inductance or capacitance in AC circuits is reactive power. This concept arises from the properties of inductors and capacitors, which store energy in their electric and magnetic fields. Unlike active power, which does the actual work in a circuit (like powering a motor or a light), reactive power does not contribute to doing any real work but is instead involved in maintaining the electric and magnetic fields necessary for the operation of inductive and capacitive components.

Reactive power is measured in volt-amperes reactive (VAR) and is essential for the proper functioning of alternating current (AC) systems, particularly in voltage regulation and overcoming inductive and capacitive reactance. It helps ensure that energy can be transferred efficiently within the circuit, even though it doesn't do useful work like active power does.

In contrast, apparent power combines both active and reactive power and is measured in volt-amperes (VA), but it doesn’t specifically highlight the role of inductance and capacitance as reactive power does. Options that reference concepts like voltage power do not exist in established electrical terminology and thus do not apply in this context.