Nonuniform Acceleration - Radio Waves Effect on Ionosphere Electron

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the concept of nonuniform acceleration as it relates to the effect of radio waves on an ionosphere electron. The acceleration of the electron is derived from the electric field described by E(t) = E0sin(ωt), leading to the formula a(t) = (-eE0/m)sin(ωt). The amplitude of acceleration, a0, is correctly identified as a0 = (-eE0/m), clarifying the relationship between force and acceleration in this context. A common misconception regarding the inclusion of the sin(ωt) factor in the expression for a0 is addressed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics principles, particularly Newton's second law.
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic theory, specifically electric fields and forces.
  • Knowledge of sinusoidal functions and their properties in physics.
  • Basic understanding of particle physics, particularly the behavior of electrons in electric fields.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric fields from oscillating charges using Maxwell's equations.
  • Explore the implications of sinusoidal forces on particle motion in classical mechanics.
  • Investigate the behavior of charged particles in varying electric fields, focusing on ionospheric applications.
  • Learn about the effects of electromagnetic radiation on charged particles, particularly in plasma physics.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism and classical mechanics, as well as researchers interested in ionospheric studies and the behavior of charged particles in electric fields.

Inklings
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi,

Reading through an Introductory Mechanics Textbook, I don't understand a part of an example on Nonuniform Acceleration - The effect of a Radio Wave on an Ionosphere Electron.

I've attached the link.

Can someone please explain how:

a0 = (-eE0/m)sinωt

By my reasoning,

since at t=0, sinωt = sin0 = 0
∴ a0 = 0

Thanks heaps in advance,
Sofia :)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't see the link. Maybe try again?
 
Welcome to PF Inklings (or Sofia, actually!),

There is no link attached. I will make some assumptions about what is going on in your example. If the electric field is given by the function:

E(t) = E0sinωt

Then, the acceleration is F/m = (qE)/m, where q is the charge that the field is acting on. In the case of an electron, q = -e, and we have for the acceleration as a function of time:

a(t) = -eE/m = (-eE0/m)sinωt

Now, we know that under a sinusoidal force, the acceleration will be sinusoidal as well, so we can write it in the general form a(t) = a0sinωt where a0 is the amplitude. *By comparison* with the expression for a(t) above, we conclude that a0 = (-eE0/m).

This makes sense. The amplitude (max value in either direction) of the acceleration is just the amplitude (max value) of the force, divided by the mass.

The problem in your original post was that you mistakenly had the factor of sinωt in your expression for a0.
 

Similar threads

Graduate Ionospheric electron under non-uniform acceleration
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
How Do Radio Waves Cause Electron Movement in Antennas?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
High School Radio waves propagation & ionosphere
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Accelerating an electron from speed u1 to u2
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate How Does Radio Wave Impact on Ionospheric Electron Integrate in Physics?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
High School Do we know what radio waves look like?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Undergrad Radio Wave Propagation: Effects of Metal Objects
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Understanding the Expression for a Linear EM Wave Transmission?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Graduate How is radio wave propagation modelled in seawater?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
11K
Graduate Reflection and transmission of waves in a medium of nonuniform density
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K