Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The phase angle represents the relative position or timing within one complete cycle of oscillation.
Related terms
Constructive interference: Constructive interference occurs when two waves combine and their amplitudes add up, resulting in a larger amplitude.
Destructive interference: Destructive interference happens when two waves combine and their amplitudes cancel each other out, resulting in a smaller or zero amplitude.
Waveform: A waveform is a graphical representation of the shape and characteristics of a wave.