A simple Lissajous curves experimental setup

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Kızılcık H. Ş., Damlı V.

PHYSICS EDUCATION, vol.53, no.3, pp.33003, 2018 (Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 53 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Doi Number: 10.1088/1361-6552/aaab9e
  • Journal Name: PHYSICS EDUCATION
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.33003
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop an experimental setup to produce Lissajous curves. The setup was made using a smartphone, a powered speaker (computer speaker), a balloon, a laser pointer and a piece of mirror. Lissajous curves are formed as follows: a piece of mirror is attached to a balloon. The balloon is vibrated with the sound signal provided by the speaker that is connected to a smartphone. The laser beam is reflected off the mirror and the reflection is shaped as a Lissajous curve. Because of the intersection of two frequencies (frequency of the sound signal and natural vibration frequency of the balloon), these curves are formed. They can be used to measure the ratio of frequencies.