The discussion clarifies the difference between the behavior of electrical fields and electromagnetic (EM) waves, specifically light. It establishes that the strength of an electrical field diminishes with distance due to the spreading of field lines, while the amplitude and frequency of light remain constant regardless of distance. The concept of photon density is introduced, explaining that although individual photons retain energy, their distribution decreases with distance from the source. The flux or intensity of light is highlighted as a measure of this spreading effect.
PREREQUISITESPhysics students, educators, and professionals in optics or electrical engineering who seek to deepen their understanding of electromagnetic phenomena and the differences between fields and waves.
spacebear2000 said:Why does the strength of an electrical field diminish with distance from its source whereas the amplitude and frequency of a beam of light do not vary, regardless of distance?