Ummm, what do these equations do

[physics noob]

hey, I am look over some equations given to me by my instructor, and I am reading the book and i cannot find what they do


k= 2(pi) / wavelength......what is k


and theta_p = tan^-1 (n2/n1) what is theta_p

and dx/L = m(wavelength) what is d and x what does this find...



thanks in advanced,,,,, great website

 

[abercrombiems02]

The second expression you have, has to deal with Brewster's angle, which concern's the polarity of a EM wave. Here's an explanation. http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/BrewstersAngle.html

 

[eep]

'k' is called the wave number i think. if you freeze a wave in time, k is equal to how much the phase changes per meter. you can tell by the units. 2pi is in radians and wavelength is in meters so k = radians/meter

 

[Pengwuino]

First one is the wave number.