What is one characteristic of a capacitor in power systems?

A capacitor in power systems serves several important functions, one of which is improving the power factor of induction motors. The power factor is a measure of how effectively electrical power is being converted into useful work output. In industrial and commercial applications, induction motors commonly operate with lagging power factors due to the inductive nature of their loads. This means they consume reactive power, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased energy costs.

When capacitors are added to the electrical system, they supply reactive power, effectively counteracting the inductive loads. This reduces the lagging power factor, thereby raising it towards unity (or 1.0), which indicates maximum efficiency. A higher power factor represents less energy being wasted, resulting in lower utility bills and better performance of the electrical system. This characteristic of capacitors to improve power factor is particularly crucial in environments where induction motors are extensively used, making it a key aspect of efficient power system operation.