Apparent power is a term used in electrical engineering to describe the total power in an AC (alternating current) circuit. It is measured in volt-amperes (VA) and represents the combination of both real power, which does useful work, and reactive power, which supports the voltage levels necessary for the circuit to function. Apparent power is important for understanding how much power is being supplied to a system, even if not all of it is used effectively. It helps engineers design systems that can handle the total power demand, ensuring efficiency and reliability in electrical systems.