What is a phase? This word has several meanings. It is used in various fields of human activity. The concept is often referred to in astrology, physics, and even medicine. Consider its general meaning, and then a narrower understanding in different areas.
Phase is ...
The word is of Greek origin and means "appearance". In a general sense, a phase is a certain moment in the developing process of something. In physics, the phase of oscillations is known (alternating current, harmonic oscillation).
The explanatory dictionary of Ephraim reveals this concept as a stage or stage in something; or a value that reveals the state of a process at some point. In chemistry, the phase is a homogeneous part of a heterogeneous system, and in electrical engineering, a separate winding of the generator along with a wire to it.
Moon and phases
The natural satellite of our earth is the moon. Even the ancients noticed that at different times it has a different effect on people. This may be due to health and even events in their lives.
Today they talk about a cycle divided into four parts, which are the phases of the moon in astrology. It lasts seven to eight days. When the transition from the 4th to the 1st, as well as from the 2nd to the 3rd, there are two climaxes: the full moon and the new moon. At such moments, the mood often changes and changes in life occur. People have increased susceptibility. At transition points, when the phases of the moon in astrology are replaced by one another, it is recommended to live these days with special attention in relation to both oneself and others.
Activity and enthusiasm are felt on the growing moon, and on the waning moon - slower reactions and decreased activity.
The phases of the day have something in common with the lunar calendar, if we consider the different effects of the star on man. This can be felt both on the physical level and on the energy level. Therefore, astrologers advise taking this into account in their plans and actions in order to achieve the best results in life.
Grounding
Probably everyone heard such a phrase as a phase in electricity. But what this means is not known to everyone. From the course of physics we know that current is constant and variable. It is not difficult to guess that the phase can relate only to alternating current.
When grounding one of the terminals, the voltage remains on only one wire, where it will change relative to the ground. It was called the phase. If you touch it, then an electric circuit is formed between a person and the earth. Naturally, it is life threatening, therefore it is very important to be able to determine the phase.
Phase Determination Methods
It is easiest to use a probe for this purpose. Nowadays, it costs a penny. It looks like an ordinary screwdriver, but transparent, with a neon bulb inside.
To determine the phase, simply touch the wire, but the finger should be attached to the top of the indicator at this time. An electrical circuit is created between the earth and the phase, but the person does not suffer, because there is a limiting resistor inside the device. When you touch the phase, the neon light is on.
A more serious device is a multimeter. Working with him is also very simple. The necessary mode is turned on, one touch the finger, and the other touch the wires. The phase in the electricity will be determined on the display of the device.
But the most interesting is the way to determine the phase using a conventional light bulb. Additionally, a cartridge and two wires are required. One wire is earthed (in an apartment building this can be done with a central heating battery), while the other needs to be touched. If the bulb lights up, it will indicate the presence of a phase.
Three-phase or single-phase current
Without going into technical details, we can designate a three-phase network as a method of transmitting electric current, in which alternating current passes with three wires, and returns one at a time.
We know that any electric network consists of two wires, through one of which the current goes to the device (for example, to the lamp), and on the other it returns. Opening it, we find that the current will not go. This is a single phase circuit. It goes along the phase wire (as it is called phase), and returns along the zero wire.
The three-phase circuit includes three wires "there" and one - "back". The effect is achieved due to the fact that in each of the wires the phase is shifted relative to the adjacent one by 120 degrees.
Alternating current is transmitted through three networks. It is divided into phases, approaching the consumer, and zero is given in each. Thus, the current comes into the house.
About security
Grounding certainly makes working with electricity safe. This can be considered with a simple example. If a breakdown occurs in the washing machine, part of the current will flow to the metal shell on the outside. In the absence of grounding, the charge will “walk” around the car, and if accidentally touched, it will easily exit through a person who will receive an electric shock.
However, if there is grounding, then an excess charge will simply drain through this wire, and no harm will be done to a person. It is clear that in those houses where grounding was not initially provided, electricity can be unsafe.
To correct the situation, it is not necessary to change the entire wiring. But irresponsible to the procedure is also not worth it. After all, we are talking about the risk to life. Therefore, this question should be addressed to professionals.
So, the meaning of the word “phase” is diverse, but, based on a common understanding of the term, it becomes easier to understand the narrower meaning of its application.