120308-1341 EST
Jim:
Yes there is a problem. The use of the word "phase" or plus a modifier must have a useful meaning, and is supported by general use that applies in many different applications where it is used.
To say that two sine waves that have a phase difference of 180 degrees have the same phase is of no useful value in many applications, including electrical.
Two sine waves that have a 180 degree difference in phase are not the same sine wave. If they were the same, then you would not get interference that would reduce intensity.
Unfortunately I can not use Google books to present this quote. Thus, I have to type it. The reference is "introduction to Physical Optics", by John Robertson, 1941. P 231
In thin film fringes if t=0, the path difference is zero, and one might expect the resultant phase difference to be zero also. Now just before the soap film breaks, one can easily notice that at the top (where it is thinnest) it is dark, not bright. In other words , although the path difference is zero (for the two surfaces come together just at breaking), the two disturbances are out of step, or the phase difference is 180 deg.
He goes on the describe why the 180 degree shift.
All sorts of discussions in optics, acoustics, and radio frequencies are concerned with a phase difference of 180 degrees being something different than a shift of 0 degrees.
Robertson goes on describe what and why a 180 degree phase shift occurs at the closed end of an organ pipe. Basically cancellation is required at the closed end to produce no particle motion. For cancellation a 180 degree phase shift is necessary. This is the necessary boundary condition.
Why do I bring up optics? Because it predates AC electrical circuit theory and for definitions to work well they should apply to all comparable subjects.
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