Energy per unit area of EM wave

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the average energy carried by an electromagnetic wave using the Poynting vector formula S = e_0*c*E^2. The user initially calculated S with the peak electric field value of 22.8 mV/m, resulting in an incorrect answer of 1.38017E-6 W/m^2. It was identified that the peak E field must be converted to its RMS value by dividing by the square root of 2 to obtain the correct average energy. This adjustment is crucial for accurate calculations in electromagnetic wave energy density. The user expressed gratitude for the helpful resource in resolving their confusion.
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Homework Statement



The E field in an EM wave has a peak of 22.8 mV/m. What is the average rate at which this wave carries energy across unit area per unit time?

Homework Equations



S = e_0*c*E^2


The Attempt at a Solution



where e_0 = 8.85*10^-12
c = 3*10^8
E = 0.0228 V/m

S = (8.85E-12)*(3*10^8)*(0.0228)^2 = 1.38017E-6 W/m^2

Hello,

I trying finding the Poynting vector S using the equation e_0*c*E^2 as I have all the needed values. This produces an answer of 1.380E-6 W/m^2 which was incorrect. Where did I go wrong?

Thanks,
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Got it... I have to divide the peak of the E field by Sqrt(2) to get the RMS or the average value so I can find the average energy.

Thanks for such a great resource!
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