# Determining whether a load is reactive and its reactance type by the phasor (phase angles)

I have been given the following question:

A single-phase load is supplied by a single-phase voltage source. If the current flowing from the load to the source is 15∠-135° A and if the voltage at the load terminals is 220∠45°, V then the

1. load absorbs real power and delivers reactive power.
2. load absorbs real power and absorbs reactive power.
3. load delivers real power and delivers reactive power.
4. load delivers real power and absorbs reactive power

I have done my best and I am fully confused which one is the right answer. I think 4 might be correct because total angle is -90 degrees and current is flowing from load to source. Please give little explanation also.

• I believe that phasor angles are normally measured from the positive real axis with a positive angle being counterclockwise and a negative angle being clockwise. It appears that the angle difference between the voltage and current is 180 degrees. Real power is delivered by the load to the source. There is no reactive power. Reactive power is not "delivered," but I believe there is a convention that uses that term to describe whether the source or load is capacitive or inductive. Are you sure the signs are correct in the question? – Charles Cowie Jan 21 '17 at 11:32

• "... , the amount is 3,3 kVAr and it's inductive. " - are you sure. I'm currently learning this topic, but since on capacitive loads the current leads the voltage (negative phase) it should be a capacitive load. Am I wrong? – try-catch-finally Apr 22 '17 at 16:31