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Activities

Problem

5 min.

Circle Trigonometry

On the following diagrams, mark both \(\theta\) and \(\sin\theta\) for \(\theta_1=\frac{5\pi}{6}\) and \(\theta_2=\frac{7\pi}{6}\). Write one to three sentences about how these two representations are related to each other. (For example, see: this PHET)

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  1. Find the Fourier transforms of \(f(x)=\cos kx\) and \(g(x)=\sin kx\).
  2. Find the Fourier transform of \(g(x)\) using the formula for the Fourier transform of a derivative and your result for the Fourier transform of \(f(x)\). Compare with your previous answer.
  3. In quantum mechanics, the Fourier transform is the set of coefficients in the expansion of a quantum state in terms of plane waves, i.e. the function \(\tilde{f}(k)\) is a continuous histogram of how much each functions \(e^{ikx}\) contributes to the quantum state. What does the Fourier transform of the function \(\cos kx\) tell you about which plane waves make up this quantum state? Write a sentence or two about how this makes sense.
  • Found in: Periodic Systems course(s)

Small Group Activity

30 min.

Add Two Functions
Students learn about the geometric meaning of the amplitude and period parameters in the sine function. They also practice sketching the sum of two functions by hand.
  • Found in: Oscillations and Waves course(s)