Wavelength and Frequency in a Waveguide

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and group velocity in a waveguide, expressed by the formula λ = c/√(f² - f₀²). Participants clarify how to derive the angular frequency ω from the frequency f by using the equation ω = 2πf. There is a query regarding the introduction of a plus sign in the expression for ω(k), which is resolved through algebraic manipulation. The explanation emphasizes that understanding these relationships is primarily an algebraic exercise. The conversation concludes with acknowledgment of the clarity gained from the discussion.
James Brady
Messages
106
Reaction score
4
Moved from a technical forum, so homework template missing.
The problem states that the wavelength and frequency in a waveguide are related by:

##\lambda = \frac{c}{\sqrt{f^2 - f_0^2}}##

then asks to express the group velocity ##v_g## in terms of c and the phase velocity ##v_p = \lambda f##
Solution:

Given that ##\omega = 2\pi f##,

## \omega(k) = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{c^2}{\lambda^2} + f_0^2} = 2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{c^2 k^2}{4 \pi^2} + f_0^2}##

So I'm trying to understand how they got omega there. I figured that by using ## f \lambda = c, f = \frac{c}{\lambda}##, we could change it from a wavelength term to a frequency term, then by multiplying both sides by 2pi, it is now in terms of radians per second.

##f = \frac{c}{\lambda} = c \frac{\sqrt{f^2 - f_0^2}}{c}##

So I'm trying to understand how they got that plus sign in there. Is this some simple algebra thing that I'm completely missing or is my reasoning wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
James Brady said:
Given that ##\omega = 2\pi f##,
## \omega(k) = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{c^2}{\lambda^2} + f_0^2} = 2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{c^2 k^2}{4 \pi^2} + f_0^2}##
Just algebra! Take λ = c/√(f2-f02), multiply both sides, solve for f. Then ω(k) = 2πf.
 
@rude man I see this now... Thank you.
 

Similar threads

Replies
15
Views
962
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
4K
Back
Top