Lissajous figures circle problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on demonstrating that the parametric equations x = Asin(wt) and y = Acos(wt) produce a circle of radius A on an oscilloscope. The relationship between frequency and angular frequency is established through the equation 2*pi*f = w. The connection to Lissajous figures is highlighted, emphasizing the circular motion represented by these equations as analogous to the unit circle in trigonometry, where x = cos(A) and y = sin(A).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of parametric equations
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine
  • Familiarity with angular frequency and its relation to frequency
  • Basic concepts of Lissajous figures
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical properties of Lissajous figures
  • Study the relationship between sine and cosine functions in circular motion
  • Explore the use of oscilloscopes for visualizing waveforms
  • Learn about parametric equations and their graphical representations
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Students in physics or mathematics, educators teaching trigonometry, and anyone interested in visualizing waveforms and circular motion using oscilloscopes.

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Homework Statement



Show that the two inputs given by x = Asin(wt) and y = Acos(wt) would display a circle of radius A on the display of an oscilloscope?

2*pi*f = w

This is a bonus lab question i am supposed to look online and research how to do but can't find anything that explains it well. Can anyone please help? Thanks!
 
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Circles are pretty complicated. Have you ever seen that demo where a wheel is rolled along the ledge below the chalkboard and a piece of chalk on the turning wheel makes a graph on the board? That graph of its height is a sine wave.

In math theory, you always talk about the unit circle. The x coordinate on the unit circle is cos(A) and the y coord is sin(A), right? Imagine the point moving around the circle so its angle is A = wt. That should give you pretty much the same equations you were given for the scope.
 


The problem described is an example of Lissajous figures.Try googling.
 

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