What type of power is necessary for establishing electric fields in inductive loads?

To establish electric fields in inductive loads, reactive power is necessary. Inductive loads, such as motors and transformers, require reactive power to create and maintain their magnetic fields. This form of power does not do any actual work like active power but is essential for the operation of devices that rely on induction.

In an AC circuit, inductive loads store energy in a magnetic field when current flows through them. This storage requires reactive power, which is measured in VARs (volt-amperes reactive). Without reactive power, inductive components would not be able to generate their necessary magnetic fields, leading to inefficient operation or failure.

The other types of power serve different roles in electrical systems. Active power represents the actual power consumed by the load to perform useful work, while apparent power combines both active and reactive power without distinguishing their roles in energy consumption. Direct power is not a standard term used in the context of AC power systems.