Final answer:
The apparent power is equal to or greater than the true power due to the addition of reactive power in AC circuits; this is exemplified by the increased power consumption experienced by devices like light bulbs at higher voltages or during resonance, potentially leading to damage if they exceed design specifications.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the power triangle, the apparent power is always equal to or greater than the true power. This relationship is due to the presence of reactive power in AC circuits, which does not do any real work but contributes to the total apparent power. True power (P), measured in watts, is the power consumed by a system to perform useful work. Apparent power (S), measured in volt-amperes, is the product of the voltage and current, without considering the phase angle. The power factor, which is the ratio of true power to apparent power, indicates how much of the apparent power is being effectively used as true power.
In AC circuits operating at resonance, both the current and power factor are optimized, resulting in significantly greater true power output compared to operating at frequencies above or below resonance. Additionally, as demonstrated in practical examples like the light bulb, power handling capabilities are also affected by resistance and voltage, with changes in voltage having a significant impact due to the power being proportional to the square of the voltage (P = V²/R). Thus, at higher voltages or when devices are resonant, the power draw can greatly increase, potentially leading to damage if the system is not designed for such conditions.