How to increase wave amplitudes

In summary: Electrons do not combine in the same way that photons do. In order for an electron to have a higher energy, it would need to absorb a photon with a higher frequency. This is known as the photoelectric effect. Tunneling, on the other hand, is a quantum phenomenon where particles can pass through barriers even if they do not have enough energy to do so classically. This is not caused by the combination of electrons, but rather their wave-like nature. In summary, the frequency of light determines the energy of photons, while the intensity or amplitude of light determines the number of photons arriving at a surface. The intensity can increase by either increasing the amplitude of the light waves or increasing the number of photons. In the quantum picture, the
  • #1
drl
31
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In reading about the photoelectric effect I noted that frequency accounts for the energy of the photon which must be high enough to liberate free electrons and the amplitude is the cause of intensity.Now, how can the amplitude be responsible for more than the liberation of more than one photon and I wonder if 2 or more coherent waves can combine so that the frequency remains the same and the amplitude increases with additional photons to increase intensity,.otherwise, how is intensity mediated? Thanks for your time and efforts.
 
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  • #2
In the classical picture, increasing the intensity of the light (more precisely, the energy flux density a.k.a. power density joules per m2 per second) increases the amplitudes of the electric and magnetic fields (volts per meter, and tesla, respectively) in the light waves.

In the quantum picture, increasing the intensity of the light (for a given fixed frequency) increases the number of photons arriving at a surface per m2 per second. The energy per photon depends on the frequency or wavelength of the light.
drl said:
I wonder if 2 or more coherent waves can combine so that the frequency remains the same and the amplitude increases with additional photons to increase intensity
Yes, according to the statements above.
 
  • #3
Now, was just wondering if 2 photons of light can combine to produce an increase in amplitude, can 2 electrons combine to produce an increase in frequency and energy in order to explain tunneling?
 
  • #4
drl said:
, can 2 electrons combine

No.
 

FAQ: How to increase wave amplitudes

1. What is the definition of wave amplitude?

Wave amplitude is the measurement of the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position. In simpler terms, it is the height of a wave from its crest to its trough.

2. How does increasing the energy of a wave affect its amplitude?

Increasing the energy of a wave will also increase its amplitude. This is because energy is directly proportional to amplitude – the more energy a wave has, the higher its amplitude will be.

3. Can the medium through which a wave travels affect its amplitude?

Yes, the medium through which a wave travels can affect its amplitude. In a more dense medium, the amplitude of a wave will decrease because there is more resistance for the wave to travel through. In a less dense medium, the amplitude of a wave will increase because there is less resistance for the wave to travel through.

4. What factors can cause a decrease in wave amplitude?

Several factors can cause a decrease in wave amplitude. These include a decrease in energy, interference with another wave, or absorption by the medium through which the wave is traveling.

5. How can we increase wave amplitude artificially?

One way to increase wave amplitude artificially is by using a device called a wave generator. This device can produce waves with larger amplitudes by providing a continuous source of energy. Another method is by using amplifiers, which can increase the energy of a wave and therefore increase its amplitude.

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