Confused about phase difference

In summary, phase difference is the difference in starting points of two waves and is measured in degrees or radians. It is directly related to frequency and wavelength, and can be negative if one wave is lagging behind the other. It can be calculated by finding the difference between starting points of two waves, and is observed in natural phenomena and used in technology for synchronization and interference avoidance.
  • #1
znatale
1
0
Why should phase difference be small when resonance is small?
 
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  • #2
do you mean why should the phase difference be small when the forcing frequency and natural frequency are the same ?
 
  • #3
Here is (in thumbnail) a swept-frequency plot of the voltage across a parallel RLC circuit. A constant current source (1 mA) is used. The resonant frequency is 1000 Hz. The voltage amplitude (solid line) is on the left. The phase (dotted line) is on the right. The phase difference (between voltage and current) equals zero when the forcing frequency and the natural frequency are the same.

Bob S
 

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1. What is phase difference?

Phase difference is the difference in the starting points of two waves. It is measured in degrees or radians and can indicate the relative timing or position of the waves.

2. How is phase difference related to frequency and wavelength?

Phase difference is directly related to frequency and wavelength. Higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths will result in smaller phase differences, while lower frequencies and longer wavelengths will result in larger phase differences.

3. Can phase difference be negative?

Yes, phase difference can be negative. It means that one wave is lagging behind the other wave by a certain amount of degrees or radians.

4. How is phase difference calculated?

Phase difference can be calculated by finding the difference between the starting points of two waves. This can be done by measuring the distance between two points on the waves that have the same amplitude and slope.

5. What are some real-life examples of phase difference?

Phase difference can be observed in many natural phenomena, such as the phases of the moon, the tides, and the seasons. It is also used in technology, such as in audio signals and radio transmissions, to ensure proper synchronization and avoid interference.

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