What does phase shift refer to in AC signals?

Phase shift in AC signals specifically refers to the difference in phase angle between two signals. In alternating current (AC) circuits, signals can oscillate in a sinusoidal manner, and this oscillation has a characteristic phase, which describes the position of the waveform at a specific moment in time. When two AC signals are considered together, they may not reach their peak values simultaneously. The phase shift quantifies this time difference in terms of angle, measured in degrees or radians.

For example, if one signal reaches its peak at 0 degrees and the second signal reaches its peak at 90 degrees, there is a 90-degree phase shift between them. This phase relationship can significantly affect the behavior of circuits, such as in the case of power factor and resonance in AC electronics. Understanding phase shifts is crucial for analyzing and designing AC circuits effectively.