What occurs to reactive power in a circuit containing both inductors and capacitors?

In a circuit that includes both inductors and capacitors, reactive power is associated with the energy that is stored and released rather than consumed. Reactive power arises due to the presence of inductors, which store energy in magnetic fields, and capacitors, which store energy in electric fields.

The correct choice indicates that reactive power alternates between the magnetic field of the inductor and the electric field of the capacitor. This oscillation occurs because when current flows through the circuit, energy is temporarily stored in these fields: inductors store energy when the current is rising, and capacitors release energy when the voltage is at its peak and the current is falling.

This dynamic creates a flow of reactive power that doesn't result in net energy consumption but rather cycles back and forth within the circuit. Understanding this concept is crucial in analyzing AC circuits, where the behavior of inductors and capacitors plays a significant role in the overall power dynamics.