ABSTRACT
Trigonometric waveforms Trigonometric graphs are commonly used in all areas of science and engineering for modelling many different natural and mechanical phenomena such as waves, engines, acoustics, electronics, populations, UV intensity, growth of plants and animals, and so on. Periodic trigonometric graphs mean that the shape repeats itself exactly after a certain amount of time. Anything that has a regular cycle, like the tides, temperatures, rotation of the Earth, and so on, can be modelled using a sine or cosine curve. The most common periodic signal waveform that is used in electrical and electronic engineering is the sinusoidal waveform. However, an alternating a.c. waveform may not always take the shape of a smooth shape based around the sine and cosine function; a.c. waveforms can also take the shape of square or triangular waves, i.e. complex waves. In engineering, it is therefore important to have some clear understanding of sine and cosine waveforms.
