For a three-phase electrical power system, the voltages are generated as sine waves which are out of phase with each other. This system is designed to be efficient and to provide continuous power with minimal fluctuations.
To understand the phase separation, let's break it down step by step:
1. Three-Phase System Basics: In a three-phase electrical power system, there are three separate voltages, each represented by a sine wave.
2. Phase Relationship: These sine waves are not aligned with each other in time; instead, they are separated by a certain phase angle. This separation is crucial to the functioning of a three-phase system, as it ensures the continuous delivery of power.
3. Standard Separation: The standard phase separation in a three-phase system is such that each of the three voltages is equally spaced around a 360-degree cycle. Since there are three phases, they must be separated by equal intervals.
4. Calculation of Separation: The 360-degree cycle is divided equally among the three phases. Therefore, the phase shift between any two phases is calculated as follows:
[tex]\[
\text{Phase Shift} = \frac{360^\circ}{3} = 120^\circ
\][/tex]
5. Conclusion: Consequently, each sine wave of voltage is separated by 120 degrees from the others in a three-phase system.
Hence, the correct answer is:
c. 120 degrees
