sin() + cos()

general description, what is it and what is it for

The simple logic behind the sinewave can be found everywhere: From nature to technology and in between.

This chapter is all about wave-motion with sin() and cos() in Processing.

To put it simply: Both functions output a wave motion which is moving between the values 1 and -1. By mapping or multiplying those values, we create stunning waves that can be used in numerous cases.

particular function / technique description with code and comments

The anatomy of the sin()-function

Let's take a closer look on the actual function:

wavemotion = sin(angle) * amplitude

This function is all we need to create the wave.

angle controls the position on the wave. It has to be a growing value, to make the motion of the wave visible.

The variable amplitude controls the amplitude / height of the wave. If we multiplay the value by two, we get the exact peak to valley ratio.

A collection of examples using mainly techniques covered in the current chapter and the chapters before. with images/animations as examples.

Examples

Increasing amplitude

Increasing angle

How to create Perfect loops?

How to get a perfect loop? How can i adjust the length (time) of a wave and use it to make perfect loops?

I work a lot with exporting gif files from Processing and that's why i was asking myself how i can get the full control of the length of the waves during a predefined timespan...

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Transition to the next chapter

Okay, sinus is cool. But what about the cosinus?

Now we know how to draw some waves, but what does that cos()-function do and why do we need it? Doesn't it have the same functionality as the sin()-function anyway? Browse to the next chapter to see, what we can do with both waves in combination.