What is the term for the out-of-phase power associated with inductors and capacitors?

The term for the out-of-phase power associated with inductors and capacitors is reactive power. This type of power represents the energy that alternates between the source and reactive components (like capacitors and inductors) in an AC circuit. Unlike real power, which is the actual power consumed by loads to perform work, reactive power does not contribute to any real work being done. Instead, it is essential for maintaining the voltage levels necessary for the active power to do useful work.

In AC power systems, reactive power helps manage the phase difference between voltage and current. This phase difference occurs due to the nature of inductors and capacitors, leading to situations where some of the power is temporarily stored in the magnetic field of inductors or the electric field of capacitors before being returned to the circuit. The measurement of reactive power is typically expressed in volt-amperes reactive (VAR).

It's important to differentiate this from other types of power: apparent power involves both real and reactive power, real power refers to the actual work done, and active power is often synonymous with real power in practical contexts. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective power management in electrical systems.