Microwaves through an ice sphere: Which scattering solution is best?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the scattering of microwaves through an ice sphere, specifically examining the applicability of Rayleigh and Mie scattering theories. The user, a high school student, is conducting an experiment with microwaves of approximately 3 cm wavelength and ice spheres ranging from 1 to 6 cm in diameter. The inquiry highlights the complexities of elastic versus inelastic scattering, with a focus on Mie Theory as a potential predictive tool for understanding scattering behavior in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Rayleigh and Mie scattering theories
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic wave properties
  • Basic knowledge of material absorption characteristics
  • Concepts of elastic and inelastic scattering
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Mie Theory applications in scattering problems
  • Explore the effects of material absorption on microwave propagation
  • Investigate the differences between elastic and inelastic scattering
  • Study experimental setups for measuring scattering in materials
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, researchers interested in electromagnetic wave interactions, and anyone conducting experiments involving microwave scattering in various materials.

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I apologize for not following the template, but it doesn't really fit. I would have posted it elsewhere but as it's for academic purposes I think it has to be here. Please excuse me if I'm wrong.

I'm a high schooler working on a project, and I was planning to send ≈3 cm microwaves through an ice sphere with diameter varying from about 1-6 cm and see the change in scattering.

Unfortunately, through the research I've done it seems like this is way more complicated than I'd imagined.

So, I need some help.

Wikipedia (Most reliable source... Well...) states:
Major forms of elastic light scattering (involving negligible energy transfer) are Rayleigh scattering and Mie scattering. Inelastic scattering includes Brillouin scattering, Raman scattering, inelastic X-ray scattering and Compton scattering.

And this confuses me. I know ice absorbs some EM waves, and thus it must be somewhat inelastic. However, I'm not sure whether that's what is meant.

Can someone help me with which I should use, and why?
 
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The wavelength is so long, effects from the whole material should be more relevant than those inelastic scattering processes. I would expect significant absorption.

I think classical physics was the right subforum ;).
 


Huh, okay. Does this mean I can use something like the Mie Theory to predict scattering, or not?
 

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