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A reactive-load phase shift in a finite-output-impedance amplifier occurs because the load and output impedance form a frequency-dependent divider. In the model of loaded voltage gain, assume a positive real output resistance $R_o$, an ideal capacitive load $C_L$ and open-circuit gain $A_0$ approximately constant over the band of interest. With $\omega =2\pi f$,The divider follows from the terminal equivalent described by the university circuit notes.^[ref]

Putting $\tau =R_o{C}_L$ givesThus even an ideal capacitor can change both amplitude and phase when the source driving it has finite resistance. Its reactive current and energy exchange are described by complex electrical power; zero average dissipation in the ideal capacitor does not mean zero output-current demand.

For an original example, choose $R_o=100\Omega$, $C_L=10\mathrm{nF}$ and $A_0=10$. Then $\tau =1\mu \mathrm{s}$ and the load pole is $f_p=1/(2\pi \tau )\approx 159.2\mathrm{kHz}$. At that frequency the gain magnitude is $10/\sqrt{2}\approx 7.071$ and the extra phase lag is $45^{\circ }$. A measured input of $10\mathrm{mV}$ root mean square gives about $70.7\mathrm{mV}$ root mean square at the capacitor, requiring approximately $0.707\mathrm{mA}$ root-mean-square capacitive current.

A bench test holds the actual amplifier input fixed while sweeping frequency and compares loaded and unloaded output amplitudes and phases. Include probe capacitance in $C_L$. The group delay introduced by a capacitive amplifier load also matters when comparing pulse waveforms.

This single-pole calculation assumes the stated constant open-circuit gain and resistive output impedance. The complete amplifier may have additional frequency dependence and feedback effects. The manufacturer's ideal feedback-gain examples are defined within their operating assumptions.^[ref] Check the actual output-current and linear operating range before interpreting a departure from this model as a capacitor-only effect.