Why does electromagnetic energy only pass through certain hole sizes?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of electromagnetic energy passing through holes of varying sizes in materials such as Faraday cages and microwave screens. Participants explore the relationship between the size of the holes and the frequency or wavelength of the electromagnetic waves, particularly in the context of shielding effectiveness.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that certain frequencies are prevented from passing through holes in Faraday cages and microwave screens.
  • Another participant suggests that it is the wavelength, rather than the frequency, that determines the effectiveness of shielding, proposing that smaller wavelengths require smaller holes for effective shielding.
  • A different participant supports the wavelength argument, mentioning a guideline of "lambda/10 for good shielding" in the context of Faraday cages.
  • One participant introduces the relationship between the speed of light, wavelength, and frequency with the equation c=λν, implying a connection between these concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether frequency or wavelength is the primary factor in determining the effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding through holes, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific electromagnetic phenomena and materials but do not provide detailed definitions or assumptions that may affect their arguments.

ChrisAndre
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
I have noticed in faraday cages and in microwaves that the holes in the screen manage to prevent certain frequencies from passing through them. Why it is that this happens?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't believe it's the frequency, but the wavelength. The shorter the wavelength the smaller the hole (or gap) needs to be to be effective at shielding.

When you get to something like an x-ray or gamma ray you need an extremely dense material to shield from them as the wavelength is so small.

At least that's the impression I have of the subject. Perhaps someone who works in the area can confirm it.
 
I'm pretty sure that it is wavelength, because I've heard talk about Faraday cages and other such electromagnetic barriers, and I've heard "lambda/10 for good shielding."

Thanks for the clarification.
 
You guys do realize that c=\lambda\nu right?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
21K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K