Active, inductive, and reactive responses in the variable resistor circuit. Elements in the circuit that dissipate energy from the electric source into thermal energy are called active elements, with their resistance being active resistance (R), and the power is called active power (P). Inductive and capacitive elements in the circuit consume electrical energy as alternating magnetic and electric fields, then return the electrical energy back to the source. These elements are reactive elements, with their resistance being reactive (inductive - XL, capacitive - XC) and their powers being reactive powers (inductive - QL, capacitive - QC) in the exchange process of energy between the source and the user