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Question

Two simple harmonic motions, as shown below, are at right angles. They are combined to form lissajous figures. 

$x(t) = A \sin (at + \delta)$ 

$y(t) = B \sin (bt)$

 Identify the correct match below :

The correct answer is
$A \ne B, a = b ; \delta = \pi/2$ Ellipse

Lissajous Conditions Explained

Lissajous figures are graphical representations formed by combining two simple harmonic motions (SHMs) that are perpendicular to each other. The resulting shape depends critically on the amplitudes ($A, B$), frequencies ($a, b$), and phase difference ($\delta$) of the two SHMs.

The given equations are:

  • $x(t) = A \sin (at + \delta)$
  • $y(t) = B \sin (bt)$

Deriving Ellipse Shape

To form an ellipse, specific relationships between the parameters ($A, B, a, b, \delta$) must hold. We examine the conditions that lead to an ellipse.

1. Condition Substitution

Consider the case where the angular frequencies are equal ($a=b$) and the phase difference is $\delta = \pi/2$. The amplitudes are $A$ and $B$, with $A \ne B$. Substituting these into the general equations:

  • $x(t) = A \sin (at + \pi/2) = A \cos (at)$
  • $y(t) = B \sin (at)$

2. Trigonometric Isolation

From the equations in Step 1, isolate the trigonometric terms:

  • $\cos(at) = \frac{x(t)}{A}$
  • $\sin(at) = \frac{y(t)}{B}$

3. Identity Application

Apply the fundamental trigonometric identity $\sin^2(\theta) + \cos^2(\theta) = 1$ (where $\theta = at$):

$ \left(\frac{y(t)}{B}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{x(t)}{A}\right)^2 = \sin^2(at) + \cos^2(at) $

$ \left(\frac{x}{A}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{y}{B}\right)^2 = 1 $

4. Result Interpretation

The equation $\left(\frac{x}{A}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{y}{B}\right)^2 = 1$ represents an ellipse centered at the origin. The semi-axes are $A$ and $B$. The condition $A \ne B$ ensures it is a non-circular ellipse.

Summary of Equal Frequency Cases ($a=b$)

When the frequencies are equal ($a=b$), the Lissajous figure depends on the phase difference ($\delta$) and amplitude ratio ($A:B$):

Phase Difference ($\delta$) Amplitude Ratio ($A:B$) Figure
$0$ or $\pi$ Any ($A \ne 0, B \ne 0$) Straight Line
$\pi/2$ $A = B$ Circle
$\pi/2$ $A \ne B$ Ellipse

Therefore, the condition $A \ne B, a = b, \delta = \pi/2$ correctly describes an ellipse.

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Important Questions from Oscillations and Waves

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