The true power is dissipated by the $R$ of any circuit. What does $R$ represent in this context?

• A. Inductance
• B. Resistance
• C. Capacitance
• D. Reactance

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the symbol $R$ in the context of electrical circuits. It commonly represents a specific property related to how the circuit opposes current flow.
2. Recall that in circuit analysis, $R$ stands for Resistance, which is the property of a material or component that causes it to dissipate electrical energy as heat.
3. Understand that power dissipation in a circuit element is related to resistance because resistors convert electrical energy into thermal energy, which is the 'true power' lost in the circuit.
4. Differentiate $R$ from other terms: Inductance ($L$) relates to magnetic fields and energy storage, Capacitance ($C$) relates to electric fields and energy storage, and Reactance is the combined effect of inductance and capacitance that opposes AC current but does not dissipate power.
5. Conclude that in this context, $R$ represents Resistance, the component responsible for the true power dissipation in the circuit.