|  | 4.1 |
| Background for Studying Frequency-Based Cable Testing
|  | 4.1.2 |
| Sine waves and square waves
Sine waves, or sinusoids, are graphs of mathematical functions. Sine waves have certain characteristics. Sine waves are periodic, which means that they repeat the same pattern at regular intervals. Sine waves are continuously varying, which means that no two adjacent points on the graph have the same value. Sine waves are graphical representations of many natural occurrences that change regularly over time. Some examples of these occurrences are the distance from the earth to the sun, the distance from the ground while riding a Ferris wheel, and the time of day that the sun rises. Since sine waves are continuously varying, they are examples of analog waves. Square waves, like sine waves, are periodic. However, square wave graphs do not continuously vary with time. The wave holds one value for some time, and then suddenly changes to a different value. This value is held for some time, and then quickly changes back to the original value. Square waves represent digital signals, or pulses. Like all waves, square waves can be described in terms of amplitude, period, and frequency.
Web Links
Sine Waves and Sound http://www.mindspring.com/~scottr/zmusic/ Square Waves http://www.dattalo.com/technical/ theory/ sqwave.html