How is the phase difference between two sine waves measured?

The phase difference between two sine waves is measured in degrees because it quantifies the angular separation between the waves over a cycle. A complete cycle of a sine wave is 360 degrees, so the phase difference expresses how far one wave leads or lags behind the other. For example, if one wave reaches its peak 90 degrees before another, it is said to be ahead in phase by one-quarter of a cycle. This measurement is fundamental in analyzing waveforms, especially in fields like electronics and signal processing, where the relationship between different signal timings affects overall system performance.

The other units, such as volts, ohms, and amperes, represent different electrical quantities—volts for voltage, ohms for resistance, and amperes for current—none of which pertain to the measurement of phase difference. Understanding that the phase difference is expressed in degrees clarifies its role in the behavior of alternating currents and wave interactions.