Calculate Wavenumber of Radiation Through Glass

  • Thread starter Thread starter Roodles01
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the wavenumber of electromagnetic radiation traveling through glass, given specific parameters such as permeability and angular frequency. The subject area includes concepts from optics and electromagnetism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the refractive index, speed, frequency, and wavenumber of radiation, expressing uncertainty specifically about the wavenumber calculation. Some participants question the definitions used, particularly regarding relative permittivity.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the calculations, with one suggesting that the original poster's initial calculation of frequency may contain an error. There is a recognition of the need to clarify definitions and ensure accuracy in the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential typographical errors in the calculations, particularly regarding the frequency, which may affect the subsequent calculations for wavenumber. The discussion highlights the importance of precision in mathematical expressions and definitions in physics.

Roodles01
Messages
125
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Glass has a permeability of ε=2.0 and relative permeability μ=1.
Electromagnetic radiation of angular frequency ω=2.8x109 s-1. travels through the glass. Calculate
a) refractive index
b) speed of radiation
c) frequency of radiation
d) wavenumber of radiation

a, b and c are straightforward but d I have questions for


Homework Equations


n=√ε
n=c/v
f=ω/2∏
v=ω/k
ω=2∏f
k=n2∏f/v



The Attempt at a Solution



a) refractive index, n=√ε = √2

b) speed of radiation traveling through glass,
n = c/v
so v = c/n
v = 3.0x108 ms-1 / √2
v = 2.12x108 ms-1

c) frequency of radiation, f = ω/2∏
f = 2.8x109 s-1 / 2∏
f = 4.46x106 Hz

d)wavenumber of radiation
now v = ω/k - where k is the wavenumber
so make k the subject
k = ω/v
k = 2.8x109 s-1 / 2.12x108 ms-1
k = 13.2

BUT

ω = 2∏f
and
k=n2∏f/v

so k = (2x2∏x 4.46x106) / 2.12x108 ms-1
k = 0.132

So which is right, please?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
So which is right, please?
The first one.

Note: ##y(x,t)=A\sin(kx-\omega t + \delta)## ... which means that ##k=2\pi/\lambda## ... i.e. inverse wavelength in the medium.

If v is the speed in the medium, then ##v=f\lambda \implies c=nf\lambda## is the speed in a vacuum.

So ##k=2n\pi f/c## ... recognize it?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Roodles01 said:

Homework Statement


Glass has a permeability of ε=2.0
Don't you mean relative permittivity? :biggrin:

c) frequency of radiation, f = ω/2∏
f = 2.8x109 s-1 / 2∏
f = 4.46x106 Hz

Try that one again. Keep an eye on the exponent. You're a couple orders of magnitude off there.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Yes, I see.
And yes, typo's.

Ta.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
997
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K