Important Notations

September 16, 2017 Introduction 1

 Notations

September 16, 2017 Introduction 2

 Complex Numbers z x iy

We will extensively use complex

numbers throughout this course.
Their use is NOT mandatory.
But the use gives tremendouse
convenience in classical wave physics.

September 16, 2017 Introduction 3

Complex Numbers

x 1
2

x ?
2

Definition :
x 1 i
2 2

i 1
And also satisfied by -i
 Complex Numbers

Representation & Notation : z x iy

x & y : real numbers

i : unit imaginary number

iy : pure imaginary number

Now Every algebraic equation can be solved!!

Imaginary Exponent

i
e x iy
e cos i sin
i
Formulation

Suppose z cos i sin

Therefore
dz izd
Integrating
z exp(i )
Complex Conjugate

In general

z r (cos i sin )
The conjugate

z* r (cos i sin )
Phasor

Phasor =

Rotating Arrow + Associated Phase Angle

Argand/Phasor Diagram

Representation of a complex number in terms of real

and imaginary components

Im Complex Plane

^
z r sin

Re
r cos
Complex Plane

SPK
Consider the following Maclaurin series expansions
Expansions are valid for complex arguments x too
x
Function : e

Function : sin x

Function : cos x
 Complex Numbers
&
Simple Harmonic Oscillations
 Why Exponential Form?
o Both sine & cosine are available in one
form, take real or imaginary part
o Periodic nature of displacement is
reproducible
o Leaves the form under differentiation and
integration
o Algebraic manipulations are quite easy

September 16, 2017 Introduction 14

 Exponential solution:

A=Complex amplitude

Real and imaginary parts of z(t) satisfy

simple harmonic equation of motion
x(t)=Re z(t)
September 16, 2017 Introduction 15
 Additions of two SHMs become convenient

For,

[ + ]
September 16, 2017 Introduction 16
 x=Asinw0t
SHM Example

wt

x=Asin(w0t+p/3)

wt

x=Asin(w0t+p/2)

wt
Hecht
Complex Representation

x(t )

SB
Meaning/Significance

The real part of the complex number.

x(t )

Represents the oscillating quantity

SB
Complex Velocity

x (t )

v(t ) x(t ) x(t )

SB
Velocity

v(t )

SB
Time Average

SB
Average of Oscillations

Q
1.0

0.5

0.0
0 10 20 30 40 50

-0.5
(w0t+)

-1.0
Time Average

1 T /2
Q limT [Q(t )] dt
2 2

T T / 2
1
sin (w0t )
2

2
1
(1 cos 2(w0t ))
2
Time Average of KE & PE in SHM

1
sin (w0t ) cos (w0t )
2 2

1
U T mw0 A
2 2

4
Root Mean Square (RMS)

x 2
x.x / 2
*

SB
An Example
The natural frequency of a simple harmonic
oscillator is 1/p sec-1. Initially (at t=0), the
displacement of the oscillator from its equilibrium
position is 0.3 m and velocity 0.7 m.sec-1. Use
complex notation to determine the amplitude and
phase of the motion:
i (w0t )
x Ae

x Ae iw0t

where,
A Ae i
Solution
iw0t
x (a ib)e
at t 0 x 0.3 m
a 0.3 m
v x iw0 x
v=iw0 (a ib)e iwt

at t 0 v 0.7 m.sec -1

b 0.35 m
Solution

A a b 0.46 m
2 2

b
tan 49.4
1 o

a
1. FEYNMAN LECTURES ON PHYSICS VOL I
Author : RICHARD P FEYNMAN
IIT KGP Central Library :
Class no. 530.4