Finding electric field incident on a medium

In summary, when an electric field travels from air to a medium with index of refraction n2, there will be three fields present: the incident electric field, the reflected electric field, and the transmitted electric field. The electric field in the first medium is given by E(z,t)=Ei(exp(-jkz)+\Gammaexp(jkz))cos(wt-kz), where gamma is the reflection coefficient and Ei is the incident amplitude. In the second medium, the electric field is given by E(z,t)=Ei(\tauexp(-jkz))cos(wt-kz), where tau is the transmission coefficient. The angle of incidence affects both the reflected and transmitted fields as the transmission and reflection coefficients are functions of
  • #1
zak8000
74
0
\Gamma

Homework Statement


if an electric field is traveling in air and hits a medium n2. then there will be three fields present:

the incident electric field
the reflected electric field
and the transmitted electric field.

the electric field in medium 1 would be:

E(z,t)=Ei(exp(-jkz)+[itex]\Gamma[/itex]exp(jkz))cos(wt-kz) assuming it is traveling in the z direction

where gamma is the reflection cofficent and Ei is incident amplitude of the field.


and the felid in medium two would be:
E(z,t)=Ei([itex]\tau[/itex]exp(-jkz))cos(wt-kz) where tau is the transmission coffecient

i was wondering if the angle of incidence any affect of the fields. for example if the original e field was incident on the normal angle would it affect the field in medium 2 or the relfected field. if so how?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
The angle of incidence is actually quite important since the transmission and reflexion coefficient are function of the incidence angle (I think they are usually called Fresnel coefficient; actually the square modulus are the Fresnel coefficient). Furthermore, the transmitted angle is also function of the incident angle (See Snell-Descartes law).

I would also suggest that you don't mix complex wave and cosine wave expression since they complicate a lot any attempt when working with waves.
 

FAQ: Finding electric field incident on a medium

1. What is an electric field and how is it related to a medium?

An electric field is a physical quantity that describes the strength and direction of the electromagnetic force within a given space. It is related to a medium because the properties of the medium, such as its dielectric constant, can affect the strength and distribution of the electric field within it.

2. How do you calculate the electric field incident on a medium?

The electric field incident on a medium can be calculated using the formula E = kQ/r^2, where E is the electric field, k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge of the source, and r is the distance from the source to the point of interest. This formula assumes that the medium is a vacuum and does not account for any effects of the medium's properties.

3. What factors can affect the electric field incident on a medium?

The electric field incident on a medium can be affected by several factors, including the charge and location of the source, the distance from the source, and the properties of the medium such as its dielectric constant and conductivity. Other external factors, such as nearby conductors or insulators, can also influence the electric field.

4. How does the electric field incident on a medium vary with distance?

The electric field incident on a medium follows an inverse square law, meaning that as the distance from the source increases, the strength of the electric field decreases. This is because the same amount of charge is spread out over a larger area, resulting in a weaker electric field at a greater distance.

5. Can the electric field incident on a medium be measured?

Yes, the electric field incident on a medium can be measured using specialized equipment such as an electric field meter or a Gauss meter. These instruments can detect and quantify the strength and direction of the electric field at a specific point in space. However, the accuracy of the measurement may be affected by the properties of the medium and other external factors.

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