Function to model intensity change over rotation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on modeling the intensity change of light on a plane as it rotates from 0 to 180 degrees, with a white light source positioned at an infinite distance. The initial intensity is set at 1, decreasing to 0 when no light reaches the point on the plane. Participants suggest that a cosine function may accurately represent the intensity variation due to mirror reflection. Key considerations include the approximation of electromagnetic waves and the size of the plane relative to the light source.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave behavior
  • Knowledge of cosine functions in mathematical modeling
  • Familiarity with light intensity concepts
  • Basic principles of reflection and geometry
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical modeling of light intensity using cosine functions
  • Explore electromagnetic wave approximations in physics
  • Study the principles of light reflection and its effects on intensity
  • Investigate the impact of plane size on light intensity measurements
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Students in physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of light behavior and intensity changes in rotating systems.

Asuralm
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Dear all:

If I have a white light source which is at the positive infinite, and there is a plane receiving the light. Assuming that the plane is facing to the light source at the beginning. If I start rotating the plane, and keep recording the intensity of one point of the plane, what function can model the change of the intensity change please?

Assume that:

1. The intensity was 1 initially, and 0 if no light comes to it.
2. Mirror reflection
3. rotate from 0 degree to 180 degree

Intuitively I feel like cosine function can model the curve, is it correct?

Could anyone give me any hint please? It would be grateful if someone direct me to some books or papers please?

Thanks!
 
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This sounds like a homework problem. This problem is not well stated in my opinion, but here are some hints to get you thinking.

Since the light source is at an infinite distance, what approximation can we assume for the EM wave incident on the plane? Also, as the point rotates with the plane (which, in general, causes the point to approach or to recede from the light source), is the variation in intensity significant to consider?

How large is the plane? Is it an infinite plane? In the case that the plane is small compared to the infinite distance, imagine the plane as a square loop. How does the electric flux change as we slowly rotate this plane?
 

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