Change in length of an electromagnetic wave

AI Thread Summary
An electromagnetic wave with a frequency of 5 MHz is transitioning from a medium with a permittivity of 2 to a vacuum. The initial calculation for the wavelength in vacuum is determined to be 60 meters using the formula L1 = c / f. The next step involves calculating the wave's speed in the unpermeable medium, where the speed is derived from v = 1 / sqrt(e) due to the assumption of negligible permeability. The poster expresses uncertainty about the resulting wavelength in the unpermeable medium, suspecting it may be too small. Clarification on the permeability assumption and further assistance is requested.
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Homework Statement


An electromagnetic wave, which has the frequency of f = 5MHz, goes from an unpermeable location, which has a permittivity of e = 2, to vacuum. Calculate the change in length of the wave.
NOTE: I haven't found greek letters in the post menu, so if they're somewhere in there tell me! I could fix the post then.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Okay my first approach would be to calculate the length of the wave in vacuum, so: (mainly because it's easier)

L1 = c * T;

T = 1 / f

L1 = c / f

L1 = 3 * 108 / 5 * 106 = 60 m

Then i would calculate the length of the wave in the previous location (the unpermeable one):

L2 = v / f

For electromagnetic waves (if i recall correctly) we can use this formula to calculate their speed:

v = 1 / sqrt e * µ (where e is the permittivity and µ is permeability of the area)

Here's where my guess comes in. I guess that unpermeable areas do not have any permeability? So it would mean:

v = 1 / sqrt e

But then the length of the wave would be insanely small. I know that waves should be short, but the difference should clearly be bigger.

Am i wrong or right?
 
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