Calculate Wavenumber of Radiation Through Glass

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the wavenumber of electromagnetic radiation traveling through glass with a relative permittivity (ε) of 2.0 and relative permeability (μ) of 1. The refractive index (n) is calculated as √2, leading to a speed of radiation (v) of approximately 2.12 x 108 m/s and a frequency (f) of 4.46 x 106 Hz. The wavenumber (k) is derived using the formula k = ω/v, resulting in a value of 13.2, although an alternative calculation yields k = 0.132, prompting clarification on the correct approach.

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Homework Statement


Glass has a permeability of ε=2.0 and relative permeability μ=1.
Electromagnetic radiation of angular frequency ω=2.8x109 s-1. travels through the glass. Calculate
a) refractive index
b) speed of radiation
c) frequency of radiation
d) wavenumber of radiation

a, b and c are straightforward but d I have questions for


Homework Equations


n=√ε
n=c/v
f=ω/2∏
v=ω/k
ω=2∏f
k=n2∏f/v



The Attempt at a Solution



a) refractive index, n=√ε = √2

b) speed of radiation traveling through glass,
n = c/v
so v = c/n
v = 3.0x108 ms-1 / √2
v = 2.12x108 ms-1

c) frequency of radiation, f = ω/2∏
f = 2.8x109 s-1 / 2∏
f = 4.46x106 Hz

d)wavenumber of radiation
now v = ω/k - where k is the wavenumber
so make k the subject
k = ω/v
k = 2.8x109 s-1 / 2.12x108 ms-1
k = 13.2

BUT

ω = 2∏f
and
k=n2∏f/v

so k = (2x2∏x 4.46x106) / 2.12x108 ms-1
k = 0.132

So which is right, please?
 
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So which is right, please?
The first one.

Note: ##y(x,t)=A\sin(kx-\omega t + \delta)## ... which means that ##k=2\pi/\lambda## ... i.e. inverse wavelength in the medium.

If v is the speed in the medium, then ##v=f\lambda \implies c=nf\lambda## is the speed in a vacuum.

So ##k=2n\pi f/c## ... recognize it?
 
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Roodles01 said:

Homework Statement


Glass has a permeability of ε=2.0
Don't you mean relative permittivity? :biggrin:

c) frequency of radiation, f = ω/2∏
f = 2.8x109 s-1 / 2∏
f = 4.46x106 Hz

Try that one again. Keep an eye on the exponent. You're a couple orders of magnitude off there.
 
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Yes, I see.
And yes, typo's.

Ta.
 

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