Power factor?

[Drew]

In one sentence can someone explain power factor with reference to reactive, real and apparent power? Or maybe two sentences :D

[install monkey]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=power+factor:)

[chillerman2006]

with high power factor current/voltage waveforms are syncronised

with low power factor they are not and cause higher amp draw

R's chillerman

[install monkey]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_factor

[cadwaladr]

fit more save the planet!

[Sumit]

P = ROOT 3 * V * I * PF (COS #)... #= Angle between Current and Voltage. Current can either lead or lack voltage vice versa.Both lagging and lacking are not desirable and this angle should be minimum.Optimum power factor is one that is angle between current and voltage is zero, so cos 0 = 1.

The advantages of optimum power factor is already explained by Chillerman i.e les amperes drawn, better efficiency..