(The following doubt is from the topic of **Sinusoidal Steady-State Analysis of electrical circuits**)

I understand the meaning of **real power** - it is the average power consumed (or delivered) by an element in a circuit. But I do not get what **reactive power** is? From talking to people, what I have understood is - it has no real significance, but it is some quantity defined to ease the process of circuital analysis. Is this understanding of mine wrong? If it is wrong, can I please know the EXACT significance of it? Having understood the meaning and significance of the reactive power, can I also know the meaning and significance of **apparent power**?

Also, please go through the below picture:

In the following picture, "Element" can be anything - a voltage source, current source, resistor, impedance etc.

[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/z3zPh.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/z3zPh.png)

So I am also not able to comfortably use the terms **supplied** and **consumed** in case of apparent and reactive powers. If someone can help me understand my doubts, it would be really helpful! It would be also helpful if links to some useful reading material are provided. Thank you!