In a balanced three-phase system, the phase EMFs differ by what angle?

In a balanced three-phase system, the phase EMFs differ by what angle?

• A. 60 degrees
• B. 90 degrees
• C. 120 degrees
• D. 180 degrees

Answer: (C)

In a balanced three-phase system, the three EMFs are produced by windings that are spaced evenly around the stator, so each phase reaches its peak a fixed amount of electrical angle after the previous one. This results in three phasors of equal magnitude separated by 120 electrical degrees. That 120° separation keeps the voltages balanced and the power flow steady over time. Angles like 60°, 90°, or 180° would disrupt that symmetry and balance, leading to uneven voltages or power delivery.

In a balanced three-phase system, the three EMFs are produced by windings that are spaced evenly around the stator, so each phase reaches its peak a fixed amount of electrical angle after the previous one. This results in three phasors of equal magnitude separated by 120 electrical degrees. That 120° separation keeps the voltages balanced and the power flow steady over time. Angles like 60°, 90°, or 180° would disrupt that symmetry and balance, leading to uneven voltages or power delivery.