How High Must Charged Particles Be for Radio Wave Interference?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the minimum height of a layer of charged particles in the atmosphere that causes destructive interference for radio waves of frequency 8.00 x 10^2 kHz, received 12 km from the transmitter. The wavelength has been determined to be 375 m, but the user is uncertain about the next steps to find the height. Participants suggest using the equation x/L = lambda/d to assist in solving the problem. The expected answer for the height is between 1 and 2. Clarification and guidance on the application of the relevant equations are sought to resolve the issue.
patriots1049
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Homework Statement


An aircraft causes a horizontal layer of charged particles to be formed in the atmosphere. Radio waves are relected without phase from this layer. Radio waves of frequency 8.00 x 10^2 kHz are received at a location 12 km from the transmitter. What is the minimum height of the layer of particles if radio reception fades due to destructive interference between the direct beam and the reflected beam?


Homework Equations



lamba = v/f

The Attempt at a Solution



I have found a wavelength of 375 m. Now I'm not sure what to do from here. The answer is supposed to be between 1 and 2. Can someone help me get past this road block?
 
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patriots1049 said:

Homework Statement


An aircraft causes a horizontal layer of charged particles to be formed in the atmosphere. Radio waves are relected without phase from this layer. Radio waves of frequency 8.00 x 10^2 kHz are recerved at a location 12 km from the transmitter. What is the minimum height of the layer of particles if radio reception fades due to destructive interference between the direct beam and the reflected beam?


Homework Equations



lamba = v/f

The Attempt at a Solution



I have found a wavelength of 375 m. Now I'm not sure what to do from here. The answer is supposed to be between 1 and 2. Can someone help me get past this road block?

Ah yes, quite a familiar problem. The workings should not be too hard. I believe that the equation is x/L=lambda/d, if I'm not mistaken, unless that is a predefined equation designated by your instructor specifically for this problem...
 
Can someone assist me in solving this problem?
 
I wish I could.
 
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