If the line \( x \cos \alpha + y \sin \alpha = p \) represents the common chord of the circles \( x^2 + y^2 = a^2 \) and \( x^2 + y^2 + b^2 = 2b \), where \( a > b \), where A and B lie on the first circle and P and Q lie on the second circle, then \( AP \) is equal to: