How High Must Charged Particles Be for Radio Wave Interference?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the minimum height of a layer of charged particles in the atmosphere that reflects radio waves, specifically focusing on the conditions for destructive interference between direct and reflected beams. The context is within the subject area of wave interference and radio frequency physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of wavelength and its relevance to the problem. There is uncertainty about the next steps after finding the wavelength, with one participant suggesting a potential equation related to the problem setup.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification and assistance on how to proceed after initial calculations. There is a recognition of the problem's familiarity, but no consensus or resolution has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the expected answer falls within a specific range, which may influence their approach to the problem. There is also mention of a possible predefined equation that may be relevant to the discussion.

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?
 
Last edited:
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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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