Light Reflection and Feynmans plane of oscillating charges

In summary, Feynman explains in ch 30-7 of the Lectures that the field of a plane of oscillating charges at a point P is proportional to the velocity of the charges, considered at the appropriate retarded time. This formula is derived for large distances, but also applies to any other distance. However, this does not seem to allow for correct reflection of light as the electrical field is in phase with the (negative) velocity of the charges, not shifted by 180° as it should be. In chapter 33, Feynman suggests that knowing the field for a layer of charge would show the shift to be 180°, but the same issue remains. The problem is yet to be solved.
  • #1
Sonderval
234
11
In ch 30-7 of the Lectures, Feynman explains that the field of a plane of oscillating charges at a point P is proportional to the velocity of the charges, considered at the appropriate retarded time (retarded by the vertical distance from the point P).
Feynman derives this formula only for large distance but says that it also works for any other distance.

This implies that directly at the plane of the charges, the electrical field is in phase with the (negative) velocity of the charges (and the same is true at a distance of one, two, three... wavelengths).

What is puzzling me is that this does not seem to allow for correct reflection of light.
If I have an incident em wave, this wave accelerates the charges. The acceleration is in phase with the wave (if the charges are sufficiently free as in a metal), so the vleocity of the charges is shifted by 90° in phase (when the acceleration is maximal, the velocity is zero - at the turning point of the oscillation). If the electrical field is in phase with the velocity, then the electrical field created by the plane of charges is phase-shifted by 90°, not by 180° as it should be to cancel the incoming wave.

Probably I'm making a stupid mistake somewhere, just cannot figure out where.
 
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  • #2
Hi, I've only read this post now but I have exactly the same problem! Later in chapter 33 he says that it is possible to show by knowing the field for a layer of charge that the shift should be 180° but it seems just the opposite. Have you solved this problem?
 

1. What is light reflection?

Light reflection is the phenomenon of light bouncing off a surface at an angle equal to the angle at which it hit the surface. This is due to the interaction of light with the electrons in the material, causing them to absorb and re-emit the light in different directions.

2. How does light reflection occur on a microscopic level?

On a microscopic level, light reflection occurs through the interaction of light with Feynman's plane of oscillating charges. This refers to the oscillating electric and magnetic fields created by the movement of charged particles, such as electrons, in a material. These oscillating fields cause the light to be absorbed and re-emitted in different directions, resulting in reflection.

3. What is Feynman's plane of oscillating charges?

Feynman's plane of oscillating charges is a theoretical concept used to explain the behavior of light in materials. It refers to the collective movement of charged particles, such as electrons, in a material, which creates oscillating electric and magnetic fields that interact with light.

4. How does the angle of incidence affect light reflection?

The angle of incidence, or the angle at which light hits a surface, affects light reflection by determining the angle at which the light will be reflected. According to the law of reflection, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, meaning that the angle at which the light hits the surface will be the same as the angle at which it bounces off.

5. What factors influence the amount of light reflected off a surface?

The amount of light reflected off a surface is influenced by several factors, including the material of the surface, the angle of incidence, and the wavelength of the light. Materials with a higher reflectivity, such as metals, will reflect more light than materials with lower reflectivity, such as wood. The angle of incidence also plays a role, as a larger angle will result in more light being reflected. Additionally, the wavelength of the light can affect the amount of reflection, with shorter wavelengths being more easily reflected than longer wavelengths.

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