How Do Maxwell's Equations Apply to Conductors?

In summary, the conversation discusses solving for the wave equation for E, finding the impedance of a material, and determining skin depth. The characteristic timescale for transient state in a conductor is calculated and used to find the skin depth. The sensitivity of the receiver is mentioned, possibly indicating the minimum amplitude of the attenuated wave. The equation for E is also given, with a resulting value for maximum depth.
  • #1
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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:

[tex]d = \sqrt{\frac{2}{\mu_0 \mu_r \sigma \omega}}[/tex]

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

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

What's the point of giving the sensitivity of the receiver?
 
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  • #2
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}##?

[tex]E = E_0 exp(-\frac{x}{d})[/tex]

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

This gives a value of ##x_{max} = 4.92 \times 10^5 m##.
 
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FAQ: How Do Maxwell's Equations Apply to Conductors?

1. What are Maxwell's equations in conductors?

Maxwell's equations in conductors are a set of four equations that describe the behavior of electromagnetic fields in conductive materials. These equations were developed by James Clerk Maxwell in the 19th century and are fundamental to our understanding of electromagnetism.

2. How do Maxwell's equations apply to conductors?

Maxwell's equations apply to conductors by describing how electric and magnetic fields behave inside and around conductive materials. These equations take into account the presence of charges and currents in the material and how they interact with the fields.

3. What are the implications of Maxwell's equations in conductors?

The implications of Maxwell's equations in conductors are vast and have been crucial in the development of technologies such as radio, televisions, and computers. They also help us understand the behavior of light and other electromagnetic waves in conductive materials.

4. Can Maxwell's equations be applied to non-conductive materials?

Yes, Maxwell's equations can also be applied to non-conductive materials, but they may need to be modified to account for the absence of charges and currents. These modified equations are known as the Maxwell's equations in free space.

5. How are Maxwell's equations in conductors used in engineering and technology?

Maxwell's equations in conductors are used in engineering and technology to design and develop devices that utilize electromagnetic fields, such as antennas and circuit boards. They are also used in the study of materials and their properties, as well as in the development of new materials for specific applications.

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