Complex Number Sine Wave Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a complex number sine wave problem involving two alternating voltages, V1 = 12 sin(200πt) and V2 = 18 sin(200πt + π/3). The user successfully plotted both waveforms and their resultant but struggled to confirm the graphical answer using complex numbers. The conversion of V1 and V2 into complex number form is essential for this confirmation, utilizing Euler's formula and the sine function's representation in terms of complex exponentials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sine wave functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with complex numbers and Euler's formula
  • Knowledge of plotting functions on a graph
  • Basic skills in trigonometry and radians
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  • Learn how to convert sine functions into complex exponential form
  • Study the application of Euler's formula in electrical engineering
  • Explore the use of complex numbers in signal processing
  • Investigate the graphical representation of complex waveforms
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Students and professionals in electrical engineering, physics, and mathematics who are working with alternating current (AC) circuits and waveforms, particularly those interested in the application of complex numbers in waveform analysis.

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Homework Statement



Two alternating voltages are given by:

V1= 12 sin 200pi t
V2= 18 sin 200pi t + pi / 3

i) Plot each wave form on the same axis for one complete cycle
ii) Add both together and plot the resultant waveform on the same axis
iii) Using complex numbers, confirm ii) graphical answer

Homework Equations



2pi f t ( to work out frequency)

Cycle time = 1/f


The Attempt at a Solution



Hi.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Sorry I am unsure how to type the correct symbols hopefully you can understand what I mean easily enough.

So far I have completed questions 1 and 2 but its the final questions I am stuck on.

For question 1 I have:

Created a table with the following columns and done all the calculations needed.

V1

t (time)
200pi t
sin (200pi t) Using radians for this calculation
12 sin (200pi t)

V2

t (time)
200pi t
pi/3
sin(200pi t + pi/3) Using radians for this calculation
18 sin(200pi t +pi/3)

Using the completed tables I then plotted the two waves on the same graph.

For questions 2 I have:

Added the two graphs together by simply adding the final columns ( 12 sin(200pi t) + 18 sin(200pi t + pi/3) and plotted these on the same graph.

So I now have 3 graphs on the same axis and that's where I am stuck. I don't understand what it means by confirming graphical answer using complex numbers.

I know that V1 and V2 can be converted into complex number form but I don't understand how this can be used to prove the graphical answer?? A push in the right direction would be great.

V1 = 12 < 0 = 12 + 0j
V2 = 18< 60 = 9 + 15.58j

Please ask if you need any more information or don't understand anything.

Thanks

Any help would be great.
 
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I presume that you have learned that
e^{i\theta}= cos(\theta)+ i sin(\theta)
and from that
sin(ax)= \frac{e^{ix}- e^{-ix}}{2i}

so that
V1= 12\frac{e^{200\pi i t}- e^{-200\pi i t}}{2i}= -6i\left(e^{200\pi i t}- e^{-200\pi i t}\right)
and
V2= 18\frac{e^{200\pi i t+ i\pi/3}- e^{-200\pi i t+ i\pi/3}}{2i}
= -9ie^{i\pi/3}\left(e^{200i\pi t}- e^{-200i\pi t}\right)

And, of course,
e^{i\pi/3}= cos(\pi/3)+ i sin(\pi/3)= \frac{1}{2}+ i\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}

Add those.
 
Thanks for the reply.

Sorry no doesn't look familiar. Have looked through my notes nothing either. I can kind of follow what you have done so I will give it a go and see how I get on.

Thanks
 

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