Maxwell's Wave Equations and Electromagnetic Theory

What equations did Maxwell develop related to waves?

Maxwell developed wave equations that describe the propagation of electromagnetic waves.

What is the relationship between electric field (E) and magnetic field (B) in wave propagation?

The electric field (E) and magnetic field (B) are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation.

What is the formula that relates energy density to electric and magnetic fields?

Energy density is given by the formula: u = (1/2)(E² + B²).

What is the Poynting vector and what does it represent?

The Poynting vector (S) describes the rate at which energy flows through a unit area and is given by S = E x B.

What is the intensity of sunlight on a bright day?

The intensity of sunlight on a bright day is approximately 1000 W/m².

What is radiation pressure and how is it related to intensity?

Radiation pressure is the pressure exerted by electromagnetic radiation and is related to intensity by the formula: pressure = intensity / c, where c is the speed of light.

What is the significance of Planck's constant (h) in quantum mechanics?

Planck's constant relates the energy of a photon to its frequency, given by the equation E = hf.

What happens to an electron when it is knocked out of its shell by X-rays?

When an electron is knocked out of its shell by X-rays, it creates a vacancy that can lead to the emission of secondary X-rays as other electrons drop down to fill the vacancy.

What are the characteristics of electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves can carry energy and momentum, and they exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties.

What is the role of a cavity magnetron in microwave generation?

A cavity magnetron is a vacuum tube that generates microwaves by accelerating electrons in a magnetic field.

How does a Pulse Oximeter work?

A Pulse Oximeter uses infrared light to measure the ratio of oxygenated to deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood, indicating pulse rate and oxygen saturation.

What is the principle behind MRI technology?

MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to align protons in the body, which emit signals that are used to create images.

What is total internal reflection and where is it used?

Total internal reflection occurs when light is completely reflected within a medium, and it is used in fiber optic cables to transmit light.

What is the index of refraction and how does it vary with wavelength?

The index of refraction (n) indicates how much light slows down in a medium and varies with wavelength, being lower for longer wavelengths.

What is dispersion in optics?

Dispersion is the separation of light into its constituent colors due to different refractive indices for different wavelengths.

What is the significance of the angle of incidence in optics?

The angle of incidence determines how light is reflected or refracted at the boundary between two media.

What are the properties of visible light in terms of wavelength?

Visible light has wavelengths ranging from approximately 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red).

How does temperature affect the index of refraction of air?

The index of refraction of air is lower in warmer air compared to cooler air.

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in electromagnetic waves?

The frequency (f) and wavelength (λ) of electromagnetic waves are inversely related, given by the equation c = fλ, where c is the speed of light.

What is the formula for photon energy?

Photon energy is given by the formula E = hf, where h is Planck's constant and f is the frequency.

What is the effect of a prism on light?

A prism disperses light into its constituent colors by refracting different wavelengths at different angles.

What is the role of gradient coils in MRI?

Gradient coils in MRI create varying magnetic fields that allow for spatial encoding of the signals emitted by protons.

What is the significance of the speed of light in vacuum?

The speed of light in vacuum (c) is a fundamental constant that is crucial in equations relating to electromagnetism and relativity.

What is the relationship between electric field strength and intensity of light?

The intensity of light is proportional to the square of the electric field strength.