Intensity of a laser through a converging lens

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a laser beam passing through a converging lens with a specified focal length, and the goal is to determine the distance at which the intensity of the beam increases by a factor of six. The context is related to optics and intensity calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between intensity and distance, considering how intensity changes as the laser beam travels through the lens. There are attempts to apply relevant formulas and assumptions about maximum intensity at the focus.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the calculations needed to relate the intensities at different distances. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct values and relationships between the variables involved, with some participants checking each other's calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential error in the values used for calculations, specifically regarding the radius in intensity formulas. Participants are also navigating the constraints of homework rules that may limit the information they can share.

k3N70n
Messages
66
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A laser beam passes through a converging lens with a focal length of 19cm. At what distance past the lens has the laser beam's intensity increased by a factor of 6?

Homework Equations



[tex]I=\frac{c\epsilon_0 E_0^2}{2}[/tex]??

The Attempt at a Solution



To be honest, I'm not even sure how to start on this question. I think I just need a hint to get started. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Intensity is inversely proportional to square of the distance. Assume that at focus the intensity is maximum, say Io.
What will be the intensity (I1) at the lens position?
What will be the intensity (I2) at a distance x from the focus?
What is the relation between I1 and I2?
 
rl.bhat said:
Intensity is inversely proportional to square of the distance. Assume that at focus the intensity is maximum, say Io.
What will be the intensity (I1) at the lens position?
What will be the intensity (I2) at a distance x from the focus?
What is the relation between I1 and I2?

Thanks for the quick reply.

I'm now trying to understand the formula given in my text [itex]I=\frac{P}{A}[/itex]

So I'm thinking that [tex]I_1=\frac{P}{\pi r^2}[/tex]?


If so then [tex]I_2=\frac{P}{\pi r^2}=6I_1=\frac{6P}{\pi 0.17^2}[/tex].
so r=0.0694m. Thus the distance from from the lense is 10.1cm. I entered this into my assignment online and was informed I was incorrect. Any idea as to where I went wrong?
 
Check your calculations. From where did get 0.17?
The equations should be I1 = P/pi*0.19^2
And I2 = P/pi(0.19- x )^2 where x is the distance from the lens. Put I2 = 6I1.Solve for x.
 
Thanks. Somehow .17 turned into .19. I've got it now. Really appreciate the help.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K