How Do Maxwell's Equations Apply to Conductors?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the application of Maxwell's Equations to conductors, specifically addressing the derivation of the wave equation for the electric field (E), the impedance of materials, and the calculation of skin depth. The characteristic timescale for transient states in conductors is defined as τ = ε₀εᵣ/σ, indicating that for low frequency regimes, τ is significantly less than 1/ω. The skin depth is calculated using the formula d = √(2/(μ₀μᵣσω)), resulting in a value of 2.67 x 10^4 m, with the sensitivity of the receiver being relevant for determining the maximum depth of wave penetration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maxwell's Equations
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic wave propagation
  • Knowledge of material properties such as conductivity (σ) and permittivity (ε)
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical derivations involving exponential functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the wave equation from Maxwell's Equations
  • Learn about the physical significance of impedance in different materials
  • Research the concept of skin depth in various conductive materials
  • Explore the implications of receiver sensitivity in electromagnetic wave applications
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Students and professionals in electrical engineering, physicists studying electromagnetic theory, and anyone interested in the practical applications of Maxwell's Equations in conductive materials.

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Homework Statement



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Part (a): Show wave equation for E can be reduced to that.
Part (b): Show impendance of material is:
Part (c): Find skin depth.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I've got parts (a) and (b) solved, part (c) I've worked it out, but I'm not sure how to use the information of senstivity of ##1 \mu V m^{-1} ##.

The characteristic timescale during transient state where charges flow in a conductor is ##\tau = \frac{\epsilon_0 \epsilon_r}{\sigma}##.

For a low frequency regime, ##\tau << \frac{1}{\omega}##.

Substituting, ##\frac{\epsilon_r \epsilon_0}{\sigma} << \frac{1}{\omega}## and finally ##f << \frac{\sigma}{2\pi \epsilon_r \epsilon_0} = 0.01 Hz##.

Now to find skin depth, d:

d = \sqrt{\frac{2}{\mu_0 \mu_r \sigma \omega}}

Using ##E = \frac{\sigma}{\epsilon_0 \epsilon_r}##,

d = \sqrt{\frac{2}{\mu_0 \mu_r \epsilon_0 \epsilon_r E \omega}} = 2.67 x 10^4 m

What's the point of giving the sensitivity of the receiver?
 
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Maybe the sensitivity is simply there to say that after passing through a maximum depth ##x_max##, the amplitude of the attenuated wave must be at least ##1\mu Vm^{-1}##?

E = E_0 exp(-\frac{x}{d})

Let ##E = 10^{-6}##:

This gives a value of ##x_{max} = 4.92 \times 10^5 m##.
 
Last edited:

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