Calculating Amplitude of Electromagnetic Waves 100 km from Earth

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the amplitude of electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields of electromagnetic waves radiated from a 50 kW radio wave transmitter located on Earth, specifically at a distance of 100 km. The participant derived the equation P = E^2 * σ₀ * c but encountered discrepancies with the expected results. The correct approach involves calculating the power flux density (S) using S = P/(2πR²) and recognizing the average power factor of 1/2 in the equations. The final calculations yield E = 0.024 V/m and B = E/c, confirming the relationship between E and B fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave theory
  • Familiarity with the concepts of power flux density and Poynting vector
  • Knowledge of the permittivity of free space (σ₀) and impedance of vacuum (Z₀)
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical derivations involving sinusoidal functions
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  • Research the significance of average power calculations in wave propagation
  • Explore the relationship between electric and magnetic fields in electromagnetic waves
  • Learn about the applications of radio wave transmission in telecommunications
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Students and professionals in physics, electrical engineering, and telecommunications who are involved in the study of electromagnetic waves and their properties.

vabamyyr
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i have a problem i have been wrestling for past day. Radiowave transmitter on Earth radiates sinusoidal waves with whole power of 50kW. we have to presume that radiation is equally distributed to upper surface. And i have to find amplitude of E and B 100 km from earth.

I derived equation that involves P and E. P = E^2 * sigma0 * c
But that P is probably power of one wave. And to get power of one wave I thought it is logical to divide whole P with semisphere with radii of 100 km.
and after that calculated E and got 3*10^-5 V/m, but book has different answer, after getting E it is easy to calculate B because B = E/c. any suggestions?
 
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I assume your sigma0 is the permittivity of free space (I know it as epsilon0).
In any case your formula is missing a factor 1/2 (for the average power).
You can also write S=E^2/(2*Z0), Z0 being the impedance of the vacuum, 377 Ohm (That number is simply easier to remember).
S is the power flux density (power flowing through a certain area), S=P/(2*pi*R^2).
I get S= 800 nW/m^2 and then E=0.024 V/m.
 
u have the correct answer, I understand that on one hand S = P/2pii*R^w
but on the other hand S = E*H where S is called poynting vector, also i found out where 377 comes from Em/Hm = sqrt(myy0/epsilon0) = 120 pii = 377 and H is therefore E/377 and when i plug it into S equation i get S = E^2/377, i`m having difficulties understanding where factor 1/2 comes from, i think i`ll have to consider S as average energy flux density and then yes, there is 1/2 factor also, is this thought correct?
 

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