GRAPHS OF THE SINE FUNCTION

INTRODUCTION

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. In engineering, it is therefore important to have a clear understanding
of sine (and cosine) waveforms, although we will only focus on sine waveforms in this unit.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this chapter, you will be able to:

 Graph variations of a sinusoidal function 𝑦𝑦 = sin 𝑥𝑥.

 Determine the amplitude, midline, period, vertical shift, and phase shift of a general
sine graph for the given form: 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 sin(𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 𝑐𝑐) + 𝑑𝑑 and sketch the graph.
 Construct a sinusoidal equation from a graph or a description.
 Demonstrate understanding of simple harmonic motion.

COMPILED BY T. PAEPAE
3.1 The General Sine Graph

The graph of a function gives a better idea of its behaviour. Therefore, in this section, you
will study techniques for sketching the graphs of the sine function.

3.1.1 Graphing the Standard Sine Function: 𝒚𝒚 = 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 𝒙𝒙

By drawing up tables of values from 0 to 360° or 2𝜋𝜋 radians, the graph of 𝑦𝑦 = sin 𝑥𝑥 may be
plotted as shown below.

𝜋𝜋 3𝜋𝜋
𝑥𝑥 0 90° 180° 𝜋𝜋 270° 360° 2𝜋𝜋
2 2
sin 𝑥𝑥 0 1 0 −1 0

You may reduce the intervals to 30° if you want to see the behavior below clearly.

0 180 ° 360 ° x
π 2π

−1

Generally, it is customary to use radian measure when graphing trigonometric functions.

Also, we will in this unit sketch or analyse the sine function over one cycle only.

3.1.2 Investigating Sinusoidal Functions

Generally, sine (and cosine) functions have a regular period and range. If we were to watch
ocean waves or ripples on a pond, we would see that they resemble the sine (or cosine)
functions, although not necessarily identical. Some are taller or longer than others. A
function that has the same general shape as a sine (or cosine) function is known as a
sinusoidal function. The general form of the sine functions is:
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 sin(𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 𝑐𝑐) + 𝑑𝑑

3.1.2.1 Determining the Amplitude

An amplitude is the name given to the maximum or peak value (or greatest distance from
rest) of a sine wave. Thus, the graph of 𝑦𝑦 = sin 𝑥𝑥 has an amplitude of +1 (i.e., it oscillates

1
between peak values of ±1). Returning to the general formula for the sine function, the
varibale 𝑎𝑎 is related to the amplitude. This variable represents a vertical stretch or shrink
factor, and its absolute value |𝑎𝑎| is the amplitude. The local maxima will be a distance |𝑎𝑎|
above the horizontal midline of the graph, which is the line 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑑𝑑. Since 𝑑𝑑 = 0 in this case,
the midline is the 𝑥𝑥-axis. The local minima will be the same distance below the midline.

3.1.2.2 Periodic Functions

The shape of this graph repeats (or completes one cycle) after 2𝜋𝜋, which means a function is
periodic with a period of 2𝜋𝜋. A periodic function is a function for which a specific horizontal
shift, 𝑃𝑃, results in a function equal to the original function: 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥 + 𝑃𝑃) = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) for all values of 𝑥𝑥
in the domain of 𝑓𝑓. When this occurs, we call the smallest such horizontal shift with 𝑃𝑃 > 0
the period of a function.

3.1.2.3 Determining the Period of Sine Function

Looking at the general form of the sine function, we can see that it is a transformation of the
standard sine function 𝑦𝑦 = sin 𝑥𝑥. Therefore, we can use what we know about transformations
to determine the period. In that case, if we let 𝑐𝑐 = 0 and 𝑑𝑑 = 0 in the general form equation
of the sine function, we obtain:
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 sin 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏

Now, drawing up a table of values similar to the one above (where 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = sin 𝑥𝑥, 𝑏𝑏 = 1 and
1
the period of 2𝜋𝜋) for 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = sin(2𝑥𝑥) and 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = sin � 𝑥𝑥�, we observe that when |𝑏𝑏| > 1, then
2

the period is less than 2𝜋𝜋 (i.e., 𝜋𝜋) and the function undergoes a horizontal compression,
whereas the period becomes greater than 2𝜋𝜋 (i.e., 4𝜋𝜋) and the function undergoes a
horizontal stretch when |𝑏𝑏| < 1, as shown in the figure below.

Notice in this figure how the period is indirectly related to (or altered by) |𝑏𝑏|. Thus, in the
2𝜋𝜋
general formula, 𝑏𝑏 is related to the period by 𝑃𝑃 = .
𝑏𝑏

2
Example 3.1 Sketching a Basic Sine Curve

𝜋𝜋
1. Determine the period of the function 𝑦𝑦 = sin � 𝑥𝑥�.
6

Solution:
𝜋𝜋
In the given equation, 𝑏𝑏 = , so the period will be:
6
2𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
𝑃𝑃 = = 2𝜋𝜋 ÷ = 12
𝑏𝑏 6

2. Sketch 𝑦𝑦 = 3 sin 2 𝑥𝑥 over one cycle.

Solution:

Amplitude = 𝑎𝑎 = 3

2𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋
Period = = = 𝜋𝜋
𝑏𝑏 2

0 x
π π
2

−3

𝜋𝜋
3. Sketch one cycle for 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑒𝑒 sin � 𝑥𝑥�.
2

Solution:
2𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
Amplitude = 𝑎𝑎 = 𝑒𝑒 Period = = 2𝜋𝜋 ÷ = 4
𝑏𝑏 2

𝑒𝑒

0 x
2 4

3
3.2 Analyzing Graphs of Variations of 𝒚𝒚 = 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 𝒙𝒙

Generally, to sketch the graphs of the basic sine function by hand, it helps to note five key
points in one period of this graph: the intercepts, maximum points, and minimum points.

A B C

Period

3.2.1 The horizontal shift (or translation): 𝒚𝒚 = 𝒂𝒂 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬(𝒃𝒃𝒃𝒃 ± 𝒄𝒄)

A sine curve may not always start at 0. It can also be shifted to the left or right, which will
result in the general equation (where 𝑑𝑑 = 0):
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 sin(𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 𝑐𝑐) or 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 sin(𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 𝑐𝑐)

The constant 𝑐𝑐 creates horizontal translation (shift) of the basic sine curve. Comparing
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 sin 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 with 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 sin(𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 𝑐𝑐), you will observe that the graph of 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 sin(𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 𝑐𝑐)
completes one cycle from 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 𝑐𝑐 = 0 to 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 𝑐𝑐 = 2𝜋𝜋. By solving for 𝑥𝑥, you can find the
interval for one cycle to be:

𝒙𝒙-intercept at A 𝒙𝒙-intercept at B 𝒙𝒙-intercept at C

𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 𝑐𝑐 = 0 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 𝑐𝑐 = 𝜋𝜋 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 𝑐𝑐 = 2𝜋𝜋

𝑐𝑐 𝜋𝜋+𝑐𝑐 2𝜋𝜋+𝑐𝑐
𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 =
𝑏𝑏 𝑏𝑏 𝑏𝑏

This implies that the graph of 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 sin 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 is shifted by an amount 𝑐𝑐⁄𝑏𝑏. The value 𝑐𝑐⁄𝑏𝑏 is
called the phase shift, or the horizontal displacement of the basic sine function.

Example 3.2 Identifying the Phase Shift of a Function

Determine the direction and magnitude of the phase shift for 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = sin(𝑥𝑥 + 𝜋𝜋⁄6) − 2.
Solution:
𝑐𝑐
In the given equation, = 𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 = − 𝜋𝜋⁄6. Therefore, the the phase shift is − 𝜋𝜋⁄6 or 𝜋𝜋⁄6 units to
𝑏𝑏

the left.

4
 Example 3.3 Sketching a Horizontally Shifted Sine Curve

𝜋𝜋
1. Sketch 𝑦𝑦 = 7 sin �2𝑥𝑥 − � over one cycle.
3

Solution:

Amplitude = 𝑎𝑎 = 7

𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
2𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 − = 0 2𝑥𝑥𝐵𝐵 − = 𝜋𝜋 2𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶 − = 2𝜋𝜋
3 3 3

𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋 7𝜋𝜋
𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 = 𝑥𝑥𝐵𝐵 = 𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶 =
6 3 6

𝑦𝑦

A B C 𝑥𝑥
π 2π 7π
6 3 6

The final graph is obtained by shifting the dashed standard sine graph: 𝑦𝑦 = 7 sin 2𝑥𝑥 to the
right by 𝜋𝜋⁄6 units.

2. Sketch one cycle for 𝑦𝑦 = 3 sin(3𝑥𝑥 + 1.3).

Solution:

Amplitude = 𝑎𝑎 = 3

3𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 + 1.3 = 0 3𝑥𝑥𝐵𝐵 + 1.3 = 𝜋𝜋 3𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶 + 1.3 = 2𝜋𝜋

𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 = −0.433 𝑥𝑥𝐵𝐵 = 0.614 𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶 = 1.661

𝑦𝑦

A B C 𝑥𝑥
−0.433 0.614 1.661

5
3.2.2 Finding the Equation of a Horizontally Shifted sine Graph

We can reverse the process we have just applied when plotting the sine cure to find the
equation form the drawn sketch graph as shown in the following examples.

Example 3.4 Finding the Equation from a Drawn Graph

1. Find the values of 𝑎𝑎, 𝑏𝑏, and 𝑐𝑐 in the graph 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 sin(𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 ± 𝑐𝑐) by using the information
given in the sketch below.

𝑥𝑥
0.5 2.5

Solution:

 Amplitude = 5
 Period = (value of 𝑥𝑥 at C − value of 𝑥𝑥 at A)
= 2.5 − 0.5
=2
2𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋
But we know that period 𝑃𝑃 = , so 2 = hence the value of 𝑏𝑏 = 𝜋𝜋.
𝑏𝑏 𝑏𝑏

 To find the value of 𝑐𝑐:

At the intercept A, 𝑏𝑏𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 + 𝑐𝑐 = 0, 𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 = 0.5, and 𝑏𝑏 = 𝜋𝜋. Therefore:
𝜋𝜋(0.5) + 𝑐𝑐 = 0
𝑐𝑐 = −0.5𝜋𝜋

 The equation of this graph is: 𝑦𝑦 = 5 sin(𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 − 0.5𝜋𝜋)

Note: We could have used the intercept at C to calculate the numerical value of 𝑐𝑐
and the result would still be the same. This is left as an exercise.

6
2. Find the values of 𝑎𝑎, 𝑏𝑏, and 𝑐𝑐 in the graph 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 sin(𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 ± 𝑐𝑐) by using the information
given in the sketch below.

𝑦𝑦

10

𝑥𝑥
−0.1 0.4 0.9

Solution:

 Amplitude = 10
 Period = (value of 𝑥𝑥 at C − value of 𝑥𝑥 at A)
= 0.9 − (−0.1)
=1
2𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋
But we know that period 𝑃𝑃 = , so 1 = hence the value of 𝑏𝑏 = 2𝜋𝜋
𝑏𝑏 𝑏𝑏

 To find the value of 𝑐𝑐:

At the intercept A, 𝑏𝑏𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 + 𝑐𝑐 = 0, 𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 = −0,1, and 𝑏𝑏 = 2𝜋𝜋. Therefore:
2𝜋𝜋(−0,1) + 𝑐𝑐 = 0
𝑐𝑐 = 0.2𝜋𝜋

 The equation of this graph is: 𝑦𝑦 = 10 sin(2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 + 0.2𝜋𝜋)

3.2.3 The vertical shift (or translation): 𝒚𝒚 = 𝒂𝒂 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬(𝒃𝒃𝒃𝒃 ± 𝒄𝒄) + 𝒅𝒅

While 𝑐𝑐 relates to the horizontal shift, 𝑑𝑑 indicates the vertical shift from the midline in the
general formula for a sinusoidal function. Any value of 𝑑𝑑 other than zero shifts the graph up
or down. That is, the function 𝑦𝑦 = sin 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑑𝑑 has its midline at 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑑𝑑.

𝑦𝑦 𝑃𝑃

𝑎𝑎
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑑𝑑
midline
𝑎𝑎
𝑃𝑃
𝑥𝑥

7
Since the midline is the line 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑑𝑑, the graph will oscillate |𝑎𝑎| units above and below this line,
so the maximum is 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑑𝑑 + |𝑎𝑎|, and the minimum is 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑑𝑑 − |𝑎𝑎|.

Example 3.5 Identifying the Variations of a Sine Function from an Equation

Determine the amplitude, period, phase shift, and midline of the function 𝑦𝑦 = 3 sin 2𝑥𝑥 + 1.
Then sketch the function.
Amplitude:
𝑎𝑎 = 3, therefore, the amplitude is |𝑎𝑎| = 3.

Period:
Next, 𝑏𝑏 = 2, therefore the period is:
2𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋
𝑃𝑃 = = = 𝜋𝜋
𝑏𝑏 2
Phase shift:
There is no added constant inside the parentheses, so 𝑐𝑐 = 0 and therefore the phase shift is:
𝑐𝑐 0
= =0
𝑏𝑏 2
Midline:
Finally, 𝑑𝑑 = 1, so the midline is 𝑦𝑦 = 1.

Sketch:
Since 𝑎𝑎 = 3, the graph will move three units up and down from the midline (𝑑𝑑 = 1). That is,
the maximum will be 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑑𝑑 + |𝑎𝑎| = 4 and the minimum will be 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑑𝑑 − |𝑎𝑎| = −2. In addition,
the 𝑥𝑥-intercepts will be at:
𝜋𝜋
𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 = 0 𝑥𝑥𝐵𝐵 = 𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶 = 𝜋𝜋
2

8
 ACTIVITY 5

1. Sketch one cycle for each of the following functions. For each function, state the
amplitude, period, and midline.
𝑥𝑥
1.1 𝑦𝑦 = 2 sin � �
2

1.2 𝑦𝑦 = 3 sin(2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 + 3)

𝜋𝜋
1.3 𝑦𝑦 = 2 sin �𝑥𝑥 − �
4

1.4 𝑦𝑦 = 2 sin(4𝑥𝑥) − 3

𝜋𝜋
1.5 𝑦𝑦 = 5 sin �𝑥𝑥 − � + 3
2

1 𝜋𝜋
1.6 𝑦𝑦 = 8 sin � 𝑥𝑥 + �
3 2

1 𝜋𝜋
1.7 𝑦𝑦 = sin �2𝑥𝑥 − �
2 4

1.8 𝑦𝑦 = 2 sin(3𝑥𝑥 − 21) + 4

1.9 𝑦𝑦 = 5 sin(5𝑥𝑥 + 20) − 2

1 𝜋𝜋
1.10 𝑦𝑦 = −2 sin � 𝑥𝑥 − � + 3
3 2

2. Find the equations of the following graphs and write it in the form 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 sin(𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 ± 𝑐𝑐):

14

2.1
− 0,52 1,48 [ y = 14 sin (1,57 x + 0,82)]
x
3,48

y
100

2π 3
2.2 π 3 π x [ y = 100 sin (3x − π )]

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3.3 Applications of the Sinusoidal Graph: Simple Harmonic Motion

In our world, there are many examples of motion caused by oscillations or vibrations. The
motion of a mass suspended from a spring and then allowed to oscillate is a simple
example. Other phenomena such as sound and water waves, light waves and alternating
current are but a few examples. Motion like this is referred to as simple harmonic motion.

In the Figure below, let 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 represent a vector that is free to rotate anticlockwise about 𝑂𝑂 at a
velocity of 𝜔𝜔 rad/s. A rotating vector is called a phasor.

After a time 𝑡𝑡 seconds 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 will have turned through an angle 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 radians (shown as angle
𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇). If 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 is constructed perpendicular to 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂, then sin 𝜔𝜔 𝑡𝑡 = 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆⁄𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇, i.e., 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 = 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 sin 𝜔𝜔 𝑡𝑡. If
all such vertical components are projected onto a graph of 𝑦𝑦 against 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔, a sine wave results
of amplitude 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂. If phasor 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 makes one revolution (i.e., 2𝜋𝜋 radians) in 𝑇𝑇 seconds, then the
angular velocity, 𝜔𝜔 = 2𝜋𝜋⁄𝑇𝑇 rad/s, from which, 𝑇𝑇 = 2𝜋𝜋⁄𝜔𝜔 seconds. 𝑇𝑇 is known as the
periodic time. The number of complete cycles occurring per second is called the
frequency, 𝒇𝒇.
1
Frequency =
𝑇𝑇
𝜔𝜔
𝑓𝑓 = 2𝜋𝜋 Hz
Hence angular velocity, 𝜔𝜔 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 rad/s

A sine wave may not always start at 0°. To show this, a periodic function is represented by
𝑦𝑦 = sin(𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 ± 𝛼𝛼), where 𝛼𝛼 is called the phase angle or phase displacement. We normally
say a graph of 𝑦𝑦 = sin(𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 − 𝛼𝛼) lags 𝑦𝑦 = sin 𝜔𝜔 𝑡𝑡 by angle 𝛼𝛼, and a graph of 𝑦𝑦 = sin(𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝛼𝛼)
leads 𝑦𝑦 = sin 𝜔𝜔 𝑡𝑡 by angle 𝛼𝛼. The angle 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 is measured in radians hence angle 𝛼𝛼 should
also be in radians.

10
In summary, given a general sinusoidal function 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑅𝑅 sin(𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 ± 𝛼𝛼), then:
 This equation is known as the wave equation.

 𝑦𝑦 is the displacement.

 𝑅𝑅 is the amplitude, which measures the height of the wave.

 𝜔𝜔 = angular velocity = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 rad/s.

 𝛼𝛼 is the phase angle. If the phase angle is positive, the shift is to the left and if the

phase angle is negative, the shift is to the right.

𝛼𝛼
 Phase shift is .
𝜔𝜔

2𝜋𝜋
 𝑇𝑇 = 𝜔𝜔
= period. (T is also known as the periodic time).

 Frequency is the number of cycles completed per unit time.

1 𝜔𝜔
𝑓𝑓 = 𝑇𝑇 = 2𝜋𝜋 Hertz ⇒ 𝜔𝜔 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋

Example 3.4 Applications of the Sinusoidal Graph

1. An alternating current is given by 𝑖𝑖 = 30 sin 𝜋𝜋 (𝑒𝑒 2 + 100𝑡𝑡) amperes. Find the amplitude,
periodic time, frequency and the phase shift.

Solution:

𝑖𝑖 = 30 sin(100𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 + 𝑒𝑒 2 𝜋𝜋) Re-write the equation in standard form

Hence:

Amplitude = 30 A

2𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋 1
Periodic time, 𝑇𝑇 = = 100𝜋𝜋 = 50 = 0.02 seconds or 20 ms
𝜔𝜔

1 1
Frequency, 𝑓𝑓 = = 0.02 = 50 Hz
𝑇𝑇

𝛼𝛼 𝑒𝑒 2 𝜋𝜋 𝑒𝑒 2
Phase shift,
𝜔𝜔
= 100𝜋𝜋 = 100 = 0.0739

11
2. An oscillating mechanism has a maximum displacement of 2.5 m and a frequency of
60 Hz. At time 𝑡𝑡 = 0 the displacement is 90 cm. Express the displacement in the
general form 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑅𝑅 sin(𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 ± 𝛼𝛼).

Solution:

Amplitude = maximum displacement = 2.5 m

Angular velocity, 𝜔𝜔 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 = 2𝜋𝜋(60) = 120𝜋𝜋 rad/s

When 𝑡𝑡 = 0, displacement = 90 cm = 0.9m

Hence 0.9 = 2.5 sin(0 + 𝛼𝛼)

0.9
sin 𝛼𝛼 = = 0.36
2.5

𝛼𝛼 = sin−1(0.36) = 0.368 rad

Thus, the displacement 𝑦𝑦 = 2.5 sin(120𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 + 0.368) m

3. The instantaneous value of voltage in an AC circuit at any time 𝑡𝑡 seconds is given by

𝑣𝑣 = 340 sin(50𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 − 0.541) volts. Determine:

3.1 The value of the voltage when 𝑡𝑡 = 0.

Solution:
𝑣𝑣 = 340 sin(50𝜋𝜋(0) − 0.541)
= −175.098 V

3.2 The value of the voltage when 𝑡𝑡 = 10 ms.

Solution:
 10 
v = 340 sin  50π − 0,541
 1000 
= 340 sin (1,0298)
= 291.446 V

3.3 The time when the voltage first reaches 200 V.

Solution:
200 = 340 sin(50𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 − 0.541)

50𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 − 0.541 = sin−1 (0.58823)

1.1698
𝑡𝑡 = = 7.448 ms
50𝜋𝜋

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3.4 The time when the voltage is a maximum.

Solution:

When the voltage is a maximum, 𝑣𝑣 = 340V

Hence 340 = 340 sin(50𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 − 0.541)

1 = sin(50𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 − 0.541)

50𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 − 0.541 = 1.5708

2.1118
𝑡𝑡 = = 13.444 ms
50𝜋𝜋

3.5 Sketch one cycle of the waveform.

Solution:

Amplitude = 𝑅𝑅 = 340

50𝜋𝜋𝑡𝑡𝐴𝐴 − 0.541 = 0 𝑡𝑡𝐴𝐴 = 3.444 ms

50𝜋𝜋𝑡𝑡𝐵𝐵 − 0.541 = 𝜋𝜋 𝑡𝑡𝐵𝐵 = 23.444 ms

50𝜋𝜋𝑡𝑡𝐶𝐶 − 0.541 = 2𝜋𝜋 𝑡𝑡𝐶𝐶 = 43.444ms

v
340

A B C
t
3,44 23,44 43,44

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 ACTIVITY 6

1. The sinusoidal current passing through a circuit has the following characteristics:
maximum current = 120 A and frequency = 50 Hz. If the current i = 104 A at t = 0 , find
the general equation for instantaneous current at any time. [i = 120 sin (100π t + 1,05)]

2. A sinusoidal voltage has a maximum value of 120 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. At time
t = 0 , the voltage is (a) zero and (b) 50 V. Express the instantaneous voltage v in the
form v = R sin (ωt ± α ) . [v = 120 sin 100π t ] ; [v = 120 sin (100π t + 0,43)]

3. An alternating current has a periodic time of 25 ms and a maximum value of 20 A.

When t = 0 , current i = −10 amperes. Express the current i in the form
i = R sin (ωt ± α ) . [i = 20 sin (80π t − 0,524)]

4. An oscillating mechanism has a maximum displacement of 3,2 m and a frequency of

50 Hz. At time t = 0 , the displacement is 150 cm. Express the displacement in the
general form R sin (ωt ± α ) . [3,2 sin (100π t + 0,488)]

5. The current in an AC circuit at any time t seconds is given by:

i = 5 sin (100π t − 0,432 ) amperes

Determine the:

5.1 Amplitude [5] A

5.2 Periodic time [20]ms
5.3 Frequency [50] Hz
 − 24, 75 
°
5.4 Phase angle (in degrees)

5.5 Value of current at t = 0 [− 2,093] A

5.6 Value of current at t = 8 ms [4,363] A
5.7 Time when the current is first a maximum [6,375] ms
5.8 Time when the current first reaches 3 A [3,423]ms

Sketch one cycle of the waveform showing relevant points.

14
6. The diagram shows the wave y = π sin 2 (2 x + 1) .

x2 x
x1 x3

6.1 Determine the value of b [b = 2,86]

 π 
6.2 Determine the period of the wave T = 2 = 1,57 

 2 
6.3 Calculate the frequency of the wave  f = π = 0,64

6.4 Calculate the values of:

− x1 [x1 = − 0,5]
− x2 [ x2 = 0,29]
− x3 [x3 = 1,07]

7. In an electric circuit, an alternating current is described by the equation:

(
i = 33 sin 20π t + 3 e )
Determine:

7.1 The maximum current [33] A

7.2 The period [0,1] s
7.3 The frequency [10] Hz
7.4 The first instant when the current is zero. [− 0,02] s
7.5 The phase shift

15