What is the term used for voltage multiplied by current?

The term used for voltage multiplied by current is referred to as Apparent Power. This concept is essential in the realm of electrical engineering and is measured in volt-amperes (VA). Apparent Power represents the total power in an AC circuit, encompassing both the power that is used to perform work (real power) and the power that is stored and then released by inductors and capacitors (reactive power).

In more detail, when you multiply voltage (measured in volts) by current (measured in amperes), you derive an overall measure of power in the circuit without distinguishing between the power that does actual work and the power involved in maintaining the magnetic and electric fields in the system.

Active power and real power typically refer to the power that is effectively consumed by the circuit to perform useful work and is measured in watts (W). Reactive power, measured in reactive volt-amperes (VAR), represents the power that oscillates between the source and the load, but does not perform any useful work. Thus, while active, real, and reactive power all play important roles in AC circuits, Apparent Power captures the total effect of voltage and current regardless of how that power is utilized.