Find frequency of electromagnetic waves

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the frequency of an electromagnetic wave given its electric field component in vacuum. The original poster presents the equation for the electric field but seeks guidance on determining the angular frequency, ω, without additional information such as wavelength.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between wavelength and frequency, questioning how to derive one from the other given the provided information. Some suggest considering the universal speed of electromagnetic waves in vacuum as a starting point.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering hints and prompting the original poster to think critically about the problem. There is a recognition of the need for more information, particularly regarding wavelength, to proceed further.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of specific values in the problem statement, particularly the wavelength, which is crucial for finding frequency. There is also mention of the importance of adhering to forum guidelines and using a structured approach in the inquiry.

xamy
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Can anyone give a solution or guidance about how to solve this.

In vacuum, the components of an EM wave are Ey = 50(V/m)cos[(5.00 m-1)x + ωt], Ex = 0, and Ez = 0. What is ω?
 
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Do you know the velocity of EM wave in vacuum?
 
No this is all the data that I have regarding the question.
 
The question doesn't give you the value of velocity because velocity of EM wave in vacuum is a universal value.
 
Hello xamy, a belated welcome to PF :smile: !

Please check out the guidelines. They exist for a good reason (for which :wink:, see the guidelines ). One good habit in PF is that posters are required to use the template and they have to show an attempt at solution, make an effort, etc. You show recidive in violating both requirements ! Someone should have corrected you earlier. Welcome nevertheless.

And in this case you think you are stuck in such an early stage that I can come up with some understanding, but not with an excuse.
Did you try googling speed of em wave in vacuum ?

Where are you in your education ? Do you know that e.g. light is an EM wave ? Do you know that the speed of light is an exactly defined constant ? All things that possible helpers might have been able to pick up if you would have posted a bit more verbose thread -- using the template, of course :rolleyes:

[edit] sorry for interfering, blue. I now leave this to you.
 
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but without wavelength frequency can't be found
 
What is there in the problem statement you can use to pin down the wavelength ? Think of the concept wavelength, what it means. How is it defined ?
 
Sorry blue for interfering (for the second time, even after promising at the first interruption).

Dear xaml, do you now see the usefulness of the template and the guidelines ? Both helpers thought you were stuck at the speed and tried to help with hints to overcome that. But from post #6 it emerges that guidance is needed on another aspect of the exercise !

Hint: sketch the wave in some way you can imagine it ... (sorry for the third time, blue. I'll really quit now...)
 
No problem BvU, that's also a reminder for me to always keep the rule in mind even in the position of answerer.

xamy said:
without wavelength frequency can't be found
I guess you still don't have the grasp of how to describe wave in a mathematical language. In case you are too lazy to search in your textbook, just search for "wave" in wikipedia, it has all you need to understand a wave as the basic starting point.
 
  • #10
So how is xamy doing ? We may seem a bit nerdy, but we wouldn't be here if we weren't prepared to help !
So: -- in case you need any further assistance -- how can we help ?
 

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