What type of waveforms are formed when multiple simple sinusoids are combined?

When multiple simple sinusoids are combined, they create complex waves. A complex wave is characterized by its composition of two or more sine waves that differ in frequency, amplitude, or phase. The result of this combination is a waveform that is no longer purely sinusoidal but rather has a more intricate structure, which can include various peaks and troughs that represent the interaction of the individual sinusoids.

Complex waves can be periodic or aperiodic, depending on the specific frequencies involved and how they relate to one another. While periodic waves repeat over time, complex waves particularly highlight the fact that the resulting waveform arises from the superposition of multiple frequencies, leading to a more elaborate wave pattern than any single sinusoidal wave could produce. This fundamental principle is key in understanding sound synthesis and wave interference in various contexts, notably in acoustics and music.