When two alternating currents (AC) of equal frequency but unequal amplitudes are compared, the phase difference between them depends on the specific characteristics of the currents and their relationship. Generally speaking, the phase difference is the angular difference in the waveforms of the two AC currents.
If the currents have a significant phase difference, it means their waveforms are shifted relative to each other. However, if the currents have the same frequency, the phase difference can vary depending on the specific situation. Here are a few possible scenarios:
In-phase: If the two AC currents are in-phase, it means their waveforms are perfectly aligned, and the phase difference is zero degrees.
Out-of-phase: If the two AC currents are out-of-phase, their waveforms are shifted relative to each other. The phase difference can be expressed in degrees or radians. For example, if one waveform is leading the other waveform by 90 degrees, the phase difference is said to be +90 degrees or π/2 radians. If one waveform is lagging behind the other waveform by 90 degrees, the phase difference is -90 degrees or -π/2 radians.
Arbitrary phase difference: If the currents have unequal amplitudes but are not perfectly in-phase or out-of-phase, the phase difference can take on any value between -180 degrees to +180 degrees (-π to +π radians). This indicates a partial or arbitrary phase relationship between the waveforms.
It's important to note that without specific information about the currents and their relationship, it's not possible to determine the exact phase difference. The amplitudes of the currents alone do not provide enough information to calculate the phase difference accurately.