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Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics

Lissajous Figures

Complex geometric curves traced by combining two perpendicular simple harmonic oscillations.

Governing formula x(t) = A sin(a t + δ), y(t) = B sin(b t)
SI unit N/A

In depth

The shape of the curve reveals the frequency ratio $a/b$ and phase difference $Δ$ between two perpendicular signals.

Examples in the real world

Oscilloscope patterns used to determine unknown frequency and phase differences in electrical signals.