Sum of 2 EM Waves w/ Same Phase & Amp but Diff Freq

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the summation of two electromagnetic (EM) waves with the same initial phase and amplitude but differing frequencies, specifically where \(\omega_1 >> \omega_2\). The resulting expression for the combined wave is approximated as \(E_1 + E_2 \approx 2 E_0 \cos \left(kx - \frac{\omega_1 t}{2} + \alpha \right) \cos \left(\frac{\omega_1 t}{2}\right)\). The participant initially struggled with simplifying the expression and determining the effective frequency, which is intuitively expected to be close to \(\omega_1\). The importance of the wave number \(k\) being dependent on frequency, as given by \(k = \frac{\omega}{c}\), was highlighted as a crucial factor in the analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave equations, specifically \(E=E_0 \cos(kx - \omega t + \alpha)\).
  • Knowledge of wave frequency and amplitude concepts.
  • Familiarity with the relationship between wave number and frequency, \(k = \frac{\omega}{c}\).
  • Basic skills in trigonometric identities and wave summation techniques.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation of the superposition principle for electromagnetic waves.
  • Study the effects of varying frequencies on wave interference patterns.
  • Learn about the implications of wave number \(k\) in different media.
  • Investigate the mathematical techniques for simplifying trigonometric expressions in wave physics.
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Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, electromagnetism, and advanced topics in wave interference and superposition.

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Homework Statement


Describe the sum of two EM waves that have the same initial phase and same amplitude but different frequencies such that [tex]\omega _1 >> \omega _2[/tex].

Homework Equations


[tex]E=E_0 \cos (kx -\omega t + \alpha)[/tex].

The Attempt at a Solution


I summed them up and reached, after an approximation, that [tex]E_1+E_2 \approx 2 E_0 \cos \left (kx -\frac{\omega _1t}{2} + \alpha \right ) \cos \left ( \frac{\omega _ 1 t}{2} \right )[/tex]. I don't know how to simplify further. It seems that the amplitude is the sum of both amplitudes and I'm not sure yet what is the frequency. It should be almost [tex]\omega _1[/tex], intuitively. I just don't know how to show it.
Any help is appreciated.
 
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Did you consider the fact that
[tex]k=\frac{\omega}{c}[/tex]
and that's why k is different for the two plane waves with two different frequencies?
 
physicsworks said:
Did you consider the fact that
[tex]k=\frac{\omega}{c}[/tex]
and that's why k is different for the two plane waves with two different frequencies?

Thanks, actually I didn't consider this. I will redo the exercise.
 

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