Intensity of Electromagnetic Waves

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SUMMARY

The intensity of a plane monochromatic electromagnetic wave with a wavelength of 2.2 cm can be calculated using the formula I = (1/2)cεoE^2. The magnetic field is defined by the equation \vec{B} = (1.8E-6 T \hat{i} + 3.8E-6 T \hat{j})cos(kz+ωt). To find the electric field amplitude E_0, one must first calculate B_0 using the Pythagorean theorem: B_0 = √(B_x^2 + B_y^2). The frequency of the wave is determined to be 13.63 GHz, derived from the speed of light divided by the wavelength.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave properties
  • Familiarity with the equations for intensity and wave parameters
  • Knowledge of Pythagorean theorem application in physics
  • Basic concepts of electric and magnetic field relationships
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the electric field amplitude E_0 using E_0 = cB_0
  • Explore the derivation of the intensity formula I = (1/2)cεoE^2
  • Investigate the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and wave speed
  • Learn about the implications of electromagnetic wave intensity in practical applications
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the properties and calculations related to electromagnetic waves.

diethaltao
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Homework Statement


A plane monochromatic electromagnetic wave with wavelength λ = 2.2 cm, propagates through a vacuum. Its magnetic field is described by
\vec{B} = (Bx\vec{i} + By\vec{j})cos(kz+ωt)
where Bx = 1.8E-6 T and By = 3.8E-6 T, and i-hat and j-hat are the unit vectors in the +x and +y directions, respectively.

What is I, the intensity of this wave?


Homework Equations


I = P/A = (1/2)cεoE^2
k = (2π)/λ
ω = ck
Bo*c = Eo

The Attempt at a Solution


I found frequency to be c/λ = 13.63GHz.

I have tried setting t to zero in the given equation and plugging in k and ω to find B, then multiplying that by the speed of light to find E.
I then plugged that into I = (1/2)cεoE^2, but that gave me the wrong answer.

I've also tried adding to the two vectors and assumed that equaled Bo (which I don't think it does), and used Bo = (√2ZoI)/c where Zo = 377 ohms.
I've tried <B^2> = (Bo^2)/2 as well.

Is there an important equation I'm missing?
 
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You need to understand what the symbols in the various formulas you have represent. In the expression for the intensity ##I##, ##E## is the amplitude of the electric field wave, what you later called ##E_0##. You can find ##B_0## from the expression for ##\vec B## and then use ##E_0 = cB_0## to find the electric field amplitude to plug into the intensity formula.
 
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In addition to what @vela said, you might find also rather obvious to use pythagorean theorem to find ##B_0## , $$B_0=\sqrt{B_x^2+B_y^2}$$
 

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