Sine waves can be represented mathematically and it can be shown that any wave can be constructed from an appropriate combination of sine waves (Fourier synthesis)
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Any single- frequency traveling wave will take the form of a sine wave.
This transverse wave is typical of that caused by a small pebble dropped into a still pool.
The position of an object vibrating in simple harmonic motion will trace out a sine wave as a function of time. (Or if a mass on a spring is carried at constant speed across a room, it will trace out a sine wave.)
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