1Current
1. Relational Phase
2Available
2. Phase as Rotation
3Available
3. Why Two Dimensions?
4Available
4. The Complex Structure
5Available
5. Measuring Structure
6Available
6. QM1 Summary

Lesson 1

Relational Phase

Phase angle

Rotation speed 60°/s

What is Relational Phase?

Phase is a cyclic relationship between events. Unlike distance, phase naturally repeats after one complete revolution. Rotating continuously around the circle eventually returns to exactly the same position.

Try this

Drag the marker slowly past 360°. Notice the number resets to 0° — yet nothing about the marker's position has changed. There is no "further along"; there is only where you are on the cycle.

Key idea: phase is a continuous cyclic quantity that repeats after one full revolution.

Learning Check

After one complete rotation, where does the phase return?

Finished Lesson 1?

Your progress is remembered in this browser only.

Home Next Lesson