PHASE-SHIFT

The displacement of a WAVEFORM in time. For example, if a waveform is displaced by a complete WAVELENGTH it is described as having a phase-shift of 360°. If it is displaced by half a wavelength (i.e. 180°) one wave will peak where the other is in a trough state and complete CANCELLATION will result. If they are at any other angle of phase-shift, partial cancellation will result.

Compare: BEATS, BINAURAL HEARING, INTERFERENCE, PHASE, PHASE DIFFERENCE, PHASING.

 
Signals with varying amounts of phase shift in relation to the lowest example.

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