If two signals have the same amplitude and the same phase but different frequencies, it means they have different rates of oscillation. The primary factor causing this difference in frequencies is the number of cycles each signal completes in a given time period.
In more technical terms, the frequency of a signal is the number of cycles it completes per unit of time. A cycle is a complete oscillation from one peak to the next peak or from one trough to the next trough. If one signal completes more cycles within a given time period than the other signal, it will have a higher frequency.
The difference in frequencies between two signals with the same amplitude and phase can arise due to various reasons, depending on the context of the signals:
Source of Signals: The signals may originate from different sources with inherently distinct frequencies. For example, one signal may represent a low-frequency sound wave, while the other represents a higher-frequency radio signal.
Modulation: If the signals are modulated or come from a modulated source, the modulation process can alter the frequency. Different types of modulation, such as amplitude modulation (AM) or frequency modulation (FM), can lead to frequency shifts.
Filtering: Signals may be processed through different filters that allow specific frequency ranges to pass. The filtering process can attenuate or amplify certain frequencies, leading to different output frequencies.
Natural Phenomena: In certain physical systems, natural frequencies can exist, and different objects or materials may have distinct natural frequencies.
Frequency Shifters: Some devices or components, like mixers or frequency shifters, can intentionally change the frequency of a signal.
Doppler Effect: In cases of moving sources or receivers, the Doppler effect can cause frequency shifts in the received signals.
In summary, the primary cause of different frequencies between two signals with the same amplitude and phase is the difference in the number of cycles completed by each signal within a given time period. Various factors, such as the source, modulation, filtering, and natural phenomena, can contribute to this difference in frequency.