[Python] How to animate or visualise the ±cosine(wt) solutions to d²x/dt²= -w²x

Discussão em 'Python' iniciado por Stack, Julho 6, 2025.

  1. Stack

    Stack Membro Participativo

    I'm currently studying simple harmonic motion and trying to understand the general solution to the differential equation:

    d²x/dt² = -ω²x

    The solution is:

    x(t) = ±A·cos(ωt)

    This ± sign has led to a conceptual doubt. Mathematically, squaring and taking the square root introduces both positive and negative branches, but physically we only see one path for the oscillator.

    I want to graphically or interactively explore what it means to include both +cos(ωt) and -cos(ωt) as solutions. Specifically, I want to:


    1. Visualize both branches (positive and negative cosine solutions).


    2. Animate the point moving on both curves (if that makes sense).


    3. Optionally: show how taking ± when integrating square root can lead to bifurcated paths, but we choose one physically.

    Here what I’ve already tried in Python using matplotlib (and it works for static plot):

    But now I want to go beyond static plots:

    Can this be animated? (in Python, JavaScript, or even Manim?)

    How can I visually show that the ± sign is mathematical, but we choose one path physically based on initial conditions (e.g., x(0) = A)?

    What tool (e.g., Desmos, Python animation, p5.js, Manim) would you recommend? Also apologise if this is not the correct site to ask it

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