Intensity of a plane monochromatic light wave

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the ratio of the intensity of an emergent monochromatic light wave to that of the wave in water, considering the indices of refraction for water (1.33), glass (1.5), and air. The relevant equations for this calculation are the intensity equations I_I and I_T, which relate incident and transmitted intensities to the electric fields and velocities in different media. The assumption of permeability being equal to mu_o is confirmed as valid for this scenario. The correct approach involves using the indices of refraction to determine the velocities of light in the respective media.

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  • Understanding of wave optics and light propagation
  • Familiarity with the concept of indices of refraction
  • Knowledge of electric and magnetic field components in wave mechanics
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risendemon
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Homework Statement


A plane monochromatic light wave passes from a source inside an aquarium tank through water of index of refraction 1.33, then, at normal incidence, through a flat pane of glass of index 1.5 into air. Calculate the ratio of the intensity of the emergent light wave to that of the wave in the water. Assume that the permeabilities are all mu_o


Homework Equations



so, I found two equations I thought would be useful for this calculation:
I_I= .5*E_1*v_1*((E_0_I)^2)*cos(theta_I)
I_T= .5*E_2*v_2*((E_0_T)^2)*cos(theta_T)

where:
I_I= the incident intensity
I_T= the transmitted intensity
E_1= the permittivity of medium one
E_2= the permittivity of medium two
v_1= the velocity of the light in medium one
v_2= the velocity of the light in medium two
E_o_I= the max electric field of the incident wave
E_o_T= the max electric field of the transmitted wave
(in other words, the _ denotes subscript- I can't find an equation writer- is there one on this site? where do I find it?)

The Attempt at a Solution



I think that if these equations will yeild the correct answer, that the calculation is strait forward; However, I'm not sure that they use all the information provided. I know that I will use the indeces of refraction to find the velocities v_1 and v_2, but what about the assumption that all mu=mu_o?
Do these equations assume that to be the case? Also, using these equations, I would not need the index of refraction of the thin pane of glass, and the description of the problem gives that information.

More concisely, are these the right equations? If not, then what equations would I need to figure this out?

Thanks a lot!
 
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I think you're overcomplicating this. When a wave hits an interface between two materials of different indices of refraction, a portion of its intensity is transmitted, and a portion is reflected. Do you have these equations? They are derived from continuity of certain components of the electric and magnetic fields at the boundary.
 

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