Hertz and polarization of EM waves

In summary, hertz is a unit of measurement used to describe the frequency of an electromagnetic wave, which is the number of oscillations it makes per second. Polarization refers to the direction of the electric field in an EM wave, with an unpolarized wave having an electric field that vibrates in all directions. The frequency of an EM wave does not affect its polarization, but the type of material it travels through can. Hertz and polarization are important concepts in understanding electromagnetic radiation, with hertz determining the energy and properties of an EM wave and polarization playing a crucial role in its interactions with matter. They are both essential in understanding and categorizing the electromagnetic spectrum, with hertz measuring different types of EM waves and polarization distinguishing between them
  • #1
illegalvirus
8
0
Hi, I'm having difficulty understanding exactly how the reciever loop detects the EM waves in this experiment and I can't find any definitive information online.

My understanding is that since EM waves are transverse, to be absorbed by the receiving electrodes, the length of the molecule chains in the electrodes have to be perpendicular to the EM wave's transmission axis. So both sets of electrodes must be parallel to each other?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
illegalvirus said:
So both sets of electrodes must be parallel to each other?

This is not necessary at all, rather an optimization.
 

1. What is the relationship between hertz and the frequency of an electromagnetic wave?

Hertz is a unit of measurement used to describe the frequency of an electromagnetic (EM) wave. The frequency of an EM wave is the number of complete oscillations it makes per second, and it is measured in hertz (Hz). This means that one hertz is equivalent to one oscillation per second.

2. Can you explain the concept of polarization for EM waves?

Polarization is a property of EM waves that describes the direction of the electric field as the wave propagates through space. An unpolarized EM wave has an electric field that vibrates in all directions perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Polarization occurs when the electric field of an EM wave is restricted to vibrate in a specific direction, either horizontal, vertical, or at an angle.

3. How does the frequency of an EM wave affect its polarization?

The frequency of an EM wave does not affect its polarization. The polarization of an EM wave is determined by the orientation of its electric field, which is independent of its frequency. However, the type of material the wave travels through can affect its polarization, as certain materials can filter out specific orientations of the electric field.

4. What is the significance of hertz and polarization in relation to electromagnetic radiation?

Hertz and polarization are important concepts in understanding the nature of electromagnetic radiation. The frequency of an EM wave, measured in hertz, determines its energy and properties, such as wavelength and propagation speed. Polarization, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in how EM waves interact with matter and can be used in various applications, such as communication and imaging technologies.

5. How are hertz and polarization related to the electromagnetic spectrum?

Hertz and polarization are both important factors in understanding the electromagnetic spectrum, which is the range of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. The hertz unit allows us to measure and categorize different types of EM waves, such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x-rays, and gamma rays. Polarization, on the other hand, helps us distinguish between different types of EM waves within each category based on the orientation of their electric fields.

Similar threads

  • Electromagnetism
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
20
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top