Energy and Momentum in Electromagnetic waves

In summary, the conversation discusses the energy flow of a sinusoidal electromagnetic wave passing through an open window with a given electric field and area. The concept of the Poynting vector is mentioned and its magnitude is calculated. The total energy carried by the wave during a 30 second commercial can be determined using this information.
  • #1
desibrij_1785
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Help me...

A sinusoidal electromagnetic wave from a radio station passes perpendicularly through an open window that has area of .5m^2. At the window, the electic field of the wave has rms value of .02 V/m. How much energy does this wave carry through the window during a 30sec commercial?
 
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  • #2
Poynting vector describes energy flow

The rate of energy flow per unit area of an electromagnetic wave is given by the Poynting vector:
[tex]\vec{S} = \frac{1}{\mu_0} \vec{E} \times \vec{B}[/tex]

The magnitude of the Poynting vector can be shown to be:
[tex]S = \frac{E^2}{c\mu_0}[/tex]
 
  • #3
thanks for the reply but i found the answer
 

1. What is the relationship between energy and momentum in electromagnetic waves?

The energy and momentum of an electromagnetic wave are directly proportional to each other. This means that as the energy of the wave increases, so does its momentum. This can be explained by the wave's dual nature, where it exhibits both particle-like (energy) and wave-like (momentum) behavior.

2. How does the energy and momentum of an electromagnetic wave change with frequency?

The energy and momentum of an electromagnetic wave are directly proportional to its frequency. This means that as the frequency increases, so does the energy and momentum. This is because higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths, which results in a higher number of wave cycles per second, thus increasing the energy and momentum.

3. Can the energy and momentum of an electromagnetic wave be transferred to matter?

Yes, the energy and momentum of an electromagnetic wave can be transferred to matter through the process of absorption. When an electromagnetic wave interacts with matter, the energy and momentum of the wave are absorbed by the particles in the material, causing them to vibrate and gain energy and momentum.

4. How is energy and momentum conserved in an electromagnetic wave?

In an isolated system, the total energy and momentum must remain constant. In an electromagnetic wave, energy and momentum are transferred between the electric and magnetic fields, but the total energy and momentum of the wave remains the same. This is known as the law of conservation of energy and momentum.

5. What is the role of energy and momentum in the propagation of electromagnetic waves?

The energy and momentum of an electromagnetic wave play a crucial role in its propagation. The energy of the wave allows it to travel through space at the speed of light, while the momentum determines the direction and strength of the wave's propagation. Without energy and momentum, electromagnetic waves would not be able to travel and carry information and energy across vast distances.

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