What is the equation for electromagnetic wave frequency?

In summary, the conversation discussed the relationship between accelerated charges and electromagnetic radiation. The equation relating the frequency of emitted radiation to the size of the charge and the value of the acceleration is dependent on Maxwell's equations and the type of acceleration. For linear acceleration, there is a spectrum of frequencies rather than one simple equation.
  • #1
pkc111
225
26
Hi there
When a charge is accelerated it produces electromagnetic radiation. I was wondering if anyone knew the equation relating the frequency of emitted radiation to the size of the charge and the value of the acceleration.
My understanding is that it relates to Maxwell's equations, but I was hoping for a simpler equation.

Many thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
"Maxwell's equation" is the simpler explanation.
The rest is maths - so the equation depends on how complicated you want it and what sort of acceleration you have.
Also depends on where you are - since it may be doppler shifted.

For a linear acceleration, there is not one frequency but a spectrum of them.
http://physics.usask.ca/~hirose/p812/notes/Ch8.pdf ... 8.3 ... so there is no simple equation.
 
  • #3
Thank you so much!
 

What is the equation for electromagnetic wave frequency?

The equation for electromagnetic wave frequency is f = c/λ, where f is the frequency in hertz (Hz), c is the speed of light in a vacuum (3.00 x 10^8 m/s), and λ is the wavelength in meters (m).

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in an electromagnetic wave?

The frequency and wavelength of an electromagnetic wave have an inverse relationship. This means that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation f = c/λ.

How is the frequency of an electromagnetic wave related to its energy?

The frequency of an electromagnetic wave is directly proportional to its energy. This means that as the frequency increases, the energy of the wave also increases. This relationship is described by the equation E = hf, where E is the energy in joules (J), h is Planck's constant (6.63 x 10^-34 J*s), and f is the frequency in Hz.

What is the unit for measuring electromagnetic wave frequency?

The unit for measuring electromagnetic wave frequency is hertz (Hz). This unit is equivalent to one cycle per second and is named after the German physicist Heinrich Hertz.

How does the frequency of an electromagnetic wave affect its properties?

The frequency of an electromagnetic wave affects its properties in several ways. Higher frequency waves have more energy and shorter wavelengths, which allows them to carry more information and penetrate materials more easily. Additionally, higher frequency waves are more likely to cause harmful effects on living organisms, such as ionizing radiation. On the other hand, lower frequency waves, such as radio waves, have longer wavelengths and less energy, making them ideal for communication and less harmful to living organisms.

Similar threads

A Voltage and current waves in a transmission line
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
944
Frequency of EM waves produced by linearly accelerating charges
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
20
Views
1K
Calculating Electromagnetic Wave Intensity in a 30 sq m Room
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
3
Views
1K
I "Strange contradiction" that Maxwell found and resolved
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
241
Electromagnetic Field vs Electromagnetic Wave
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
25
Views
20K
Atoms: Understanding Frequency of Revolution
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
836
Electromagnetic Waves and different energy manifestations
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
1K
When was it proven that light is an electromagnetic wave?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
1K
I Group velocity for an electromagnetic wave inside glass
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
689
B Is the Kink in the Electromagnetic Wave Responsible for Delayed Motion?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
8
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top