What Can You Deduce About EM Wave Transmissions in Your Experiment?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the analysis of electromagnetic (EM) wave transmissions using a microwave transmitter and receiver setup involving aluminum and hardboard materials. It concludes that the minimal signal registered by the receiver indicates significant reflection from the aluminum, a good conductor, while the hardboard, a dielectric, allows for some transmission. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding interference patterns, as the movement of the aluminum sheet towards the hardboard results in observable maxima and minima, which can be used to calculate the wavelength of the emitted EM waves, specifically noting that the distance between the second and seventh minima is 70mm.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave behavior, particularly reflection and transmission.
  • Familiarity with interference patterns and their significance in wave physics.
  • Knowledge of basic microwave transmission principles and equipment.
  • Ability to apply mathematical equations related to wave properties and interference.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of wave interference and how to calculate wavelengths from interference patterns.
  • Learn about the properties of conductors and dielectrics in relation to EM wave transmission.
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of wavelength using distance measurements between interference minima.
  • Investigate practical applications of microwave transmission in communication technologies.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and researchers interested in wave mechanics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetic wave behavior in various materials.

Sixty3
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Homework Statement


a) A microwave transmitter T and receiver R are placed side by side facing two sheets of material M (aluminium) and N (hardboard). A very small signal is registered by R; what can you deduce about the experimental set up?

b) When M is moved towards N a series of maxia and minima is registered by R. Explain this and deduce the wavelength of the e-m waves emitted by T if the distance moved M between the second and seventh minimum is 70mm.

Any help with this question, also maybe if you could show how to work it out would be great !

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
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Hi Sixty3, welcome to PF!:smile:

Sixty3 said:
also maybe if you could show how to work it out would be great !

Please re-read the site rules you agreed to when you signed up for your account. We do not do your homework for you. You need to make an effort, show your work/reasoning as clearly as possible, and explain where you are stuck.

As a hint to this problem, consider what happens when light strikes a good conductor (like say aluminum) at approximately normal incidence (the transmitter is facing the two sheets of material) and what happens when it strikes a (more or less linear) dielectric (like hardboard). How much is reflected/transmitted in each case?
 

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