Sine Waves - Natural Emissions of All Matter?

In summary, the conversation discusses the characteristics of sine waves and their relationship to matter, particularly photons. It is noted that while sine waves can be used to represent physical waves, matter itself cannot be emitted as a sine wave. The conversation also touches on the controversy surrounding quantum theory and the limitations of our understanding of the behavior of photons.
  • #1
Imparcticle
573
4
Are sine waves the waves that are theoretically deemed to be the waves [naturally] emitted by all matter? Or am I getting them confused with something else?
 
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  • #2
No, but you may write an arbitrary (plane) wave signal as a sum of sine and cosine waves (Fourier analysis).
Bessel functions occurs more naturally if radial/spherical damping is present.
 
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  • #3
Imparcticle,arildno,
Elementar quanta (ie. photons) of EM radiation propagates in pure sine (or cosine if you like) mode.On other hand,Maxwell electodynamics allow any shape of changeable wave-supporting function from the accelerated source as arildno indicated..
To extend this picture further,it is appropriate to say it is even true for real macroscopic raditions from QED standpoint to be consisted of many elemantar quanta that can superimpose in various ways and form arbitrary wave forms in the spirit of the Maxwell's theory.How close classical electrodynamics in this case can match quantum picture depends in first place on the strenght of the considered field.
 
  • #4
Is it suggested that elementar photons travel and look like sine waves?
 
  • #5
zhana said:
Is it suggested that elementar photons travel and look like sine waves?
No!
I was just reffering to the math forms of type (e^a)(sinx)(e^-a)(sin-x) that reflect some properties of photons people are familiar with.
Whole QM properties* (arising from quantum theory formalism too) make the "visualisation" of photon quant phenomena almost impossible for humans I suppose.Matter of fact I hold the question "How photon looks like?" doesn't make any sense.
cheers
____
* locality ,probability etc.
 
  • #6
So are sine waves emitted by all matter or not?
 
  • #7
Imparcticle said:
So are sine waves emitted by all matter or not?
The question is again on the "edge" of regularity.Quantum physics description of wave package of a photon ,as always,includes oscillatory terms,but photon locallity being the problem .So attenuation.Wave function even admits the interpretation photon potentialy spreads over entire universe.
It's a controversy of quantum theory-you can't know a complete info.
You may force one characteristics ,but lossing another.
Like in my post up I forced the frequency .Btw,last term in product was error due to too quick typing :it should be [tex]sin(\pi/2 -x)[/tex] not (sin-x) in order to generate sine function again).Methodology relates nothing specific-just math operative method that reflect property of the frequency.In bottom line there was allusion to old Huygens principle of wave and QM interpretation of the same phenomenon.

cheers
 
  • #8
Imparcticle said:
So are sine waves emitted by all matter or not?
No. Sine waves are mathematical objects. Matter is physical. So your question makes no sense. A sensible question would be: are such-and-such type of physical waves accurately represented as sine waves?
 

What is a sine wave?

A sine wave is a mathematical curve that represents a smooth repetitive oscillation or vibration. It is characterized by its amplitude (height), frequency (number of cycles per unit of time), and phase (position in the cycle).

How are sine waves produced in nature?

Sine waves are produced naturally as a result of vibrations and oscillations in various systems, such as sound waves, electromagnetic waves, and the movement of particles. These vibrations and oscillations can be observed in phenomena such as sound, light, earthquakes, and radio waves.

What is the significance of sine waves in science?

Sine waves are important in science because they are the most basic form of periodic motion and can be used to describe and analyze a wide range of natural phenomena. They are also widely used in signal processing, communication systems, and mathematical modeling.

Can sine waves exist in a vacuum?

Yes, sine waves can exist in a vacuum as they are a mathematical concept and do not require any physical medium to propagate. However, their effects may be observed in a physical medium, such as sound waves in air or electromagnetic waves in space.

How are sine waves used in technology?

Sine waves have a wide range of applications in technology, including in signal processing, communication systems, and electronic devices. They are also used in the production of sound and light, as well as in medical imaging and scientific research.

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