What happens when two alternating currents are "out of phase"?

When two alternating currents are "out of phase," it means that their peaks and troughs do not align. Specifically, when one current is at its maximum value, the other is at its minimum, effectively causing their contributions to neutralize each other. This cancellation can lead to a resultant current that is much lower than the individual currents. The concept of being out of phase is fundamental in understanding wave interactions in electrical circuits and signal processing. When currents are out of phase by 180 degrees, they effectively cancel each other out, resulting in zero net current. This is a crucial consideration in various applications, including power distribution and signal modulation, to ensure system stability and efficiency.