Is the biggest phase difference pi?

In summary, the biggest phase difference that can be detected in a time window where both signals are present is pi. However, if you can go all the way back to the beginning of the signals, you can detect larger phase differences. This concept can be compared to two runners on a circular track, where the biggest separation between them in radians would be when the line connecting them forms a diameter of the circle, equivalent to 180 degrees or pi radians. However, in the context of waves, the example of a phase difference larger than pi is not necessarily incorrect, as it depends on the time span being considered.
  • #1
MBBphys
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Homework Statement


So, my teacher said that the biggest phase difference is pi. But what if you have two waves arriving at a point, such that the instruction from one wave is a phase of (7pi/4), and from the other is (3pi/4), then the phase difference is (9pi/8), which is larger than pi. So, was she right or wrong? Or have I made a mistake?
Thanks!

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The Attempt at a Solution


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  • #2
Imaging you and your friend running in a race around a circular track, what is biggest separation between two of you in radian
 
  • #3
It depends on if you are only looking at a limited span of time or if you can go all the way back to the beginning of the signals.

The biggest phase difference one can detect in a time window when both signals are present is pi. If you can go all the ay back to the beginning, you can detect much larger phase differences.
 
  • #4
azizlwl said:
Imaging you and your friend running in a race around a circular track, what is biggest separation between two of you in radian
What you say makes complete sense: the biggest difference we can be is such that the line between us would be the diameter of the circle and the angle is 180 degrees or pi radians. But how does that translate to a wave though? Why is the example of a bigger than pi phase I gave wrong?
Thanks!
 

Related to Is the biggest phase difference pi?

1. Is the biggest phase difference pi?

No, the biggest phase difference is actually 2pi. This occurs when two waves are completely out of phase with each other.

2. What is a phase difference?

A phase difference is the measure of how far apart two waves are in their cycle. It is often measured in radians or degrees.

3. How is the phase difference calculated?

The phase difference can be calculated by dividing the difference in phase angle between two waves by the wavelength of the waves. This calculation will give the phase difference in radians.

4. Can the phase difference be negative?

Yes, the phase difference can be negative if one wave is lagging behind the other in the cycle. This means that the two waves are out of phase with each other.

5. What is the significance of phase difference in waves?

The phase difference between waves determines how they interact with each other. Waves with the same phase will amplify each other, while waves with opposite phases will cancel each other out.

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