A wave that repeats as a function of time and position is referred to as a periodic wave. Amplitude, frequency, wavelength, speed, and energy describe the properties of the wave. The phase angle is used to describe the characteristics of a periodic wave. Let us learn more about the phase angle in this session.
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What is Phase Angle?
The phase angle is the characteristic of a periodic wave. It is synonymous to Phase in many contexts. In phasors, a wave exhibits twofold characteristics: Magnitude and Phase.
The phase angle refers to the angular component of a periodic wave.
It is a complex entity. A periodic wave is represented as:
Where,
- A is the magnitude
- θ is the phase angle
It is measured using degrees or radians
Measurement of a Phase Angle
Consider a periodic wave. The phase angle can be measured using the following steps:
- Phase angle can be measured by measuring the number of units of angular measure between the reference point and the point on the wave. The reference point can be on the same wave or another wave.
- The reference point is chosen from the projection of a rotating vector to the real axis of an Argand diagram.
- The value of the point on the abscissa corresponding to the point on the wave gives the phase angle of that point.
In general, the wave can be plotted on any standard coordinate system. One complete cycle of the wave has 360º of phase angle in the Cartesian plot.
The phase angle plays a crucial role in electronics where the voltage and various sinusoidal waves are involved. In electronics, the number of electrical degrees of lag or lead between the voltage and current waveforms in an ac circuit is also defined as phase angle.
You may also want to check out these topics given below!
- Amplitude modulation and its applications
- Standing waves and Normal modes
- Wave-particle duality
- Impulse units
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is phase angle?
How is a periodic wave represented?
The periodic wave is represented as:
- A is the magnitude
- θ is the phase angle
State true or false: Phase angle is a complex entity.
How is the phase angle measured?
One complete cycle of the wave will have how many degrees of phase angle in the Cartesian plot.
In the Cartesian plot, one complete cycle of the wave has a 360º of phase angle.
Watch the video and understand the relationship between frequency and wavelength.
Put your understanding of this concept to test by answering a few MCQs. Click ‘Start Quiz’ to begin!
Select the correct answer and click on the “Finish” button
Check your score and answers at the end of the quiz
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