When dealing with complex functions, we are often at a loss as to how to represent them. Do we show separate real and imaginary components? Do we show magnitude only? It is often quite a problem. Below is an Physlet that will let you discover a different way to handle complex functions. Put in various real, imaginary, and complex functions for f(x, t) and click the set and then play buttons. The functions you investigate do not have to depend on time (if there is no time dependence, do not expect the play button to have an effect, of course!).
- What does the height of the function correspond to?
- What does the color correspond to? (Hint: What does the wheel suggest to you?)
Use functions that you know to test your ideas. Functions must also have correct syntax. For example: e^(-i*x) is OK, but e^(ix) is not (a missing *). Other examples of good functions include sin(x) and cos(x). If you have problems with the Physlet, please e-mail me right away for help.