Oscillator Differentials: What's a physical meaning of complex part of the solution for coordinate change of the anharmonic oscillator?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the physical meaning of the complex part of the solution related to the coordinate change of an anharmonic oscillator. Participants are exploring concepts related to oscillators, particularly in the context of damped and possibly forced systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants express confusion regarding the original question and seek a detailed explanation of the mathematical equations involved. Others question the relevance of the linked discussion to the specific topic of anharmonicity and the physical interpretation of complex solutions.

Discussion Status

The discussion appears to be ongoing, with participants seeking clarification and further explanation. There are indications of differing interpretations of the original question, and some participants are encouraged to engage with previous contributions for better understanding.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of mathematical equations related to oscillators, with some expressing a need for more detailed explanations. The nature of the oscillator (anharmonic vs. standard damped) is also under consideration, which may affect the discussion's direction.

DifferentialGalois
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Homework Statement
What's a physical meaning of, for example, complex part of the solution for coordinate change of the anharmonic oscillator?
Why after substitute (for diff. equation solve) for real x we can earn ##x = Re(z) + iIm(z)##? Is it because of substitutio?
Relevant Equations
##x = Re(z) + iIm(z)##
##x(t)=e^{i\alpha t}##
##x(t) = A e^{i \alpha_1 t} + B e^{i \alpha_2 t}##
I don't understand what the question means, and the answer is provided here: https://physics.stackexchange.com/a/35821/222321
Could someone provide a comprehensive one-by-one explanation.
 
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The discussion at that link does not, as far as I can see, provide a physical meaning to the complex solution. Neither does it address anharmonicity, so I assume you mean just a standard damped (maybe forced) oscillator.
If we map the state onto the complex plane, the graph as a function of time (an axis normal to that plane) becomes a helix, tapering exponentially in the case of unforced. I would think this could be realised in a physical system.
 
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bump
 
DifferentialGalois said:
bump
Why are you bumping your thread and not replying to @haruspex ?
 
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berkeman said:
Why are you bumping your thread and not replying to @haruspex ?
i need an explanation to the mathematical equations.
 
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DifferentialGalois said:
i need an explanation to the mathematical equations.
I thought I saw a pretty good explanation in the post by @haruspex -- Which part of what he wrote did you not understand?
 

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