How do we combine two waves to create Lissajous figures?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on combining two waves to create Lissajous figures using vector addition. The first method involves adding the oscillations directly, represented as ξ1 + ξ2, while the second method employs the Pythagorean theorem to combine orthogonal vectors, expressed as √(ξ1² + ξ2²). The particles' motion is described in the xy-plane as ξ1 e_x + ξ2 e_y, which accurately depicts the formation of Lissajous figures.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave oscillations
  • Familiarity with vector addition
  • Knowledge of Lissajous figures
  • Basic concepts of the xy-coordinate system
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  • Explore the mathematical equations governing Lissajous figures
  • Learn about the graphical representation of waveforms
  • Investigate the impact of different frequency ratios on Lissajous figures
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Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers interested in wave mechanics and graphical representations of oscillatory motion.

LCSphysicist
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Homework Statement
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Relevant Equations
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To answer (a), i imagineed the oscillations parallels (say to z), so we simply add ξ1+ξ2
for b, i imagined two vectors ortogonais, representing the oscillations, so we should add √(ξ1² + ξ2²), is this right?
 
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The particles move on xy plane as
\xi_1\ \mathbf{e_x}+\xi_2\ \mathbf{e_y}
which draw Lissajous figures.
 

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