16 March 2024

Relationship between phase shift and time delay: By Soumendra Nath Thakur

A phase shift refers to the displacement of a wave form in time. A complete wave cycle, also known as a period (T), corresponds to a phase shift of 360 degrees or 2π radians.

When representing a complete wave cycle in degrees (°), it can be denoted as T(deg). In this notation, T(deg) represents the angular measure of one complete cycle of the waveform in degrees.
In terms of frequency (f), which represents the number of wave cycles per unit of time, there is an inverse relationship between the period and the frequency. The period (T) is the reciprocal of the frequency (f), and the relationship can be expressed as:
• T = 1 / f, and T = 360°
• Since,1-degree of phase T(deg) = T / 360
If we express the period in degrees, T(deg), the relationship still holds:
• T(deg) = (1/f)/360
• T(deg) = 360° / f
In this case, T(deg) represents the angular measure of one complete cycle of the waveform in degrees, and it is inversely proportional to the frequency (f).
The instantaneous phase (ϕ) represents an angular shift between two relative sine waves and is measured in degrees. After a time Δt, the two relative sine waves are initially synchronized in phase but differ in frequency by Δω degrees per second, developing a differential total phase shift (ΔΦ). Where Φ is the total phase shift accumulated over a period of time (Δt) and ω(t) is the frequency shift that may vary as a function of time. The total accumulated phase shift (Φ) can be thought of as the area under a frequency vs time curve.
• Equation given by: ΔΦ = Δω × Δt.
The time interval T(deg) for 1° of phase is inversely proportional to the frequency (f). We get a wave corresponding to the time shift.
• 1° phase shift = T/360; T = 1/f.
• 1° phase shift = T/360 = (1/f)/360.
• A wave frequency = 5 Mhz. we get the phase shift (in degree°) corresponding time shift.
• 1° phase shift on a 5 MHz wave = (1/5000000)/360 = 5.55 x 10ˉ¹⁰ = 555 ps. Corresponds to a time shift of 555 picoseconds.
Therefore, for 1° phase shift for a wave having a frequency 5 MHz, and so wavelength 59.95 m, the time shift Δt is 555 ps.

Hence, phase shift corresponds to time shift or time delay, where correspondingly is a synonymous word for interchangeably.
Time shift of the caesium-133 atomic clock in the GPS satellite: The GPS satellites orbit at an altitude of about 20,000 km. with a time delay of about 38 microseconds per day.
For 1455.50° phase shift or, 4.04 cycles of a 9192631770 Hz wave; time shifts Δt = 0.0000004398148148148148 ms. or, 38 microsecond time is taken per day.
Example - Phase shift in Transistors:
A transistor has a 180 degree phase shift between its input signal (signal from base) and output signal (signal from emitter). Phase shift is a common phenomenon in transistors.

Explanation of the concepts of waves, oscillations, and phase shifts in physics: A wave is a disturbance that travels from its point of origin, transferring energy but not necessarily mass. Waves exhibit periodic motion in both time and space. Oscillations, on the other hand, are periodic motions in a physical system influenced by a restoring force, characterized by regular changes in magnitude or position around a central point. Oscillations are more periodic in time than in space and are vibration of a distributed system. The description above distinguishes waves as propagating oscillations in time, with some oscillations not becoming waves because they do not transmit energy. However, all waves are oscillations, indicating a reciprocal transfer of energy. Conclusively, a 'phase shift' always corresponds to a 'time shift', regardless of whether it's in the context of oscillation, vibration, or waves, regardless of the wave's form (such as sine wave). This statement regarding the correspondence between 'phase shift' and 'time shift' across oscillations, vibrations, and waves appears to be generally consistent with mathematical and scientific principles. In wave theory, a phase shift refers to a change in the timing of a waveform relative to a reference point. Time shift, as mentioned in the context of the statement, is a change in the timing of an event. In many cases, particularly in harmonic motion or sinusoidal waveforms, a phase shift does indeed correspond to a time shift. This relationship holds true regardless of whether the waveform is a sine wave or another form of wave. The consistency lies in the fact that altering the phase of a wave will affect when certain points of the wave occur in time. For example, a phase shift of π/2 radians in a sine wave corresponds to a quarter-cycle delay, or a time shift of one-quarter of the wave's period. This relationship is mathematically consistent and aligns with the principles of wave propagation and oscillatory motion. This correspondence between phase shift and time shift is applicable in a generalized view, without considering dispersion or non-linear effects or any additional factors that may influence the relationship. The statement provides a simplified and generalized view of the relationship between phase and time shifts in waves, it is consistent with fundamental principles in wave theory and oscillatory motion.

External effects and additional factors:

External effects or any additional factors that could affect the relationship between phase shift and time shift are not the primary focus of consideration. For instance, a time distortion caused by external influences on a clock mechanism does not negate the standardized concept of clock time. Similarly, external factors like dispersion or non-linear effects are not typically taken into account in the mainstream understanding of the relationship between phase shift and time shift.

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Assistant Poe: I apologize for the confusion in my previous response. You are correct in this specific scenario where you have a sine wave with a frequency of 5 MHz. Given the relationship between phase shift, frequency, and time, you can calculate the corresponding time shift or time delay.
In this case, a 1° phase shift on a 5 MHz wave corresponds to a time shift of approximately 555 picoseconds (ps). This means that if you shift the waveform by 1°, the corresponding time delay between the original waveform and the shifted waveform would be approximately 555 ps.
So, in the context of a specific frequency and waveform, you can use the terms "phase shift" and "time shift" interchangeably, as they are directly related in this scenario. However, it's important to note that this relationship may not hold universally for all waveforms or systems. It is specific to sinusoidal waveforms and the calculation you provided is based on that assumption.
Thank you for pointing out the specific calculation and clarification. If you have any further questions, please let me know!

In response to the above 'Explanation of the concepts of waves, oscillations, and phase shifts in physics:'

Assistant Poe replies:

I appreciate your input and the additional explanation you provided. You make valid points regarding the relationship between phase shift and time shift across oscillations, vibrations, and waves. Indeed, in many cases, particularly in harmonic motion or sinusoidal waveforms, a phase shift does correspond to a time shift. The mathematical relationship between phase shift and time shift, as you mentioned, holds true for sinusoidal waves, where specific phase shifts can be directly related to specific time shifts. In a sine wave, for example, a phase shift of π/2 radians corresponds to a quarter-cycle delay, or a time shift of one-quarter of the wave's period. This relationship is consistent and aligns with the principles of wave propagation and oscillatory motion. It is important to note that the correspondence between phase shift and time shift may not hold universally for all waveforms, especially when considering factors such as dispersion, non-linear effects, or other complexities that can arise in wave propagation. In such cases, the relationship between phase shift and time shift may become more intricate and context-dependent. Thank you for providing a more detailed explanation and highlighting the generalized view of the relationship between phase shift and time shift in waves. It indeed aligns with fundamental principles in wave theory and oscillatory motion.

In response to the above 'External effects and additional factors:'

Assistant Poe replies:

You are correct that in many cases, the standardized concept of clock time or the mainstream understanding of the relationship between phase shift and time shift does not typically take into account external factors such as dispersion or non-linear effects. The simplified and generalized view of the relationship between phase shift and time shift, as discussed earlier, is often sufficient for understanding and analysing waveforms, especially in the context of harmonic motion or sinusoidal waves. However, it's worth noting that in certain specialized fields or specific applications, such as in areas of wave propagation affected by dispersion or non-linear effects, the relationship between phase shift and time shift can become more complex. These factors can introduce additional considerations and may lead to deviations from the simplified relationship. In the mainstream understanding of phase shift and time shift, particularly in the context of sinusoidal waveforms, the simplified relationship is widely applicable and provides a useful framework for analysis and calculations. It serves as a foundational concept to understand the relative timing and alignment of waveforms. Thank you for emphasizing the primary focus of consideration and the standardized understanding of the relationship between phase shift and time shift in the absence of external effects or additional factors.