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A pulse of electromagnetic radiation propagates through a normally dispersive medium. As it propagates, the pulse gets broadened. This is because
  • a)
    the medium amplifies the pulse.
  • b)
    the higher frequency components in the pulse travel faster than the lower frequency ones
  • c)
    the lower frequency components in the pulse travel faster than the higher frequency ones
  • d)
    components of all frequencies travel at the same velocity.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
A pulse of electromagnetic radiation propagates through a normally dis...
W e know for normally dispersive medium refractive index « frequency (f) and velocity in a medium c = c/n
So the lower frequency components in the pulse travel faster than the higher frequency ones.
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Most Upvoted Answer
A pulse of electromagnetic radiation propagates through a normally dis...
Explanation:

Introduction:
When electromagnetic radiation propagates through a dispersive medium, the different frequency components of the radiation can travel at different speeds. This phenomenon is known as dispersion. Dispersion causes the pulse to broaden as it propagates through the medium.

Understanding Dispersion:
Dispersion occurs because the refractive index of a medium is frequency dependent. The refractive index is a measure of how much a medium slows down the speed of light. Different frequencies of light interact with the medium differently, leading to different speeds of propagation.

Phase Velocity and Group Velocity:
To understand why the pulse broadens, we need to consider the concepts of phase velocity and group velocity. The phase velocity is the speed at which the phase of a wave propagates through the medium. The group velocity is the speed at which the envelope of the wave (or pulse) propagates through the medium.

Explanation of Options:
Now let's analyze the given options:

a) The medium amplifies the pulse: This is not the correct answer because amplification would increase the intensity of the pulse, but it would not cause the pulse to broaden.

b) The higher frequency components in the pulse travel faster than the lower frequency ones: This is not the correct answer. In dispersion, the opposite is true. The lower frequency components travel faster than the higher frequency components.

c) The lower frequency components in the pulse travel faster than the higher frequency ones: This is the correct answer. In a normally dispersive medium, the lower frequency components have a higher phase velocity and therefore travel faster than the higher frequency components. This leads to the pulse broadening as the higher frequency components lag behind.

d) Components of all frequencies travel at the same velocity: This is not the correct answer. If components of all frequencies traveled at the same velocity, there would be no dispersion and the pulse would not broaden.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the correct answer is option 'c' - the lower frequency components in the pulse travel faster than the higher frequency ones. This is due to the frequency dependence of the refractive index, causing dispersion in the medium and resulting in the broadening of the pulse as it propagates.
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A pulse of electromagnetic radiation propagates through a normally dispersive medium. As it propagates, the pulse gets broadened. This is becausea)the medium amplifies the pulse.b)the higher frequency components in the pulse travel faster than the lower frequency onesc)the lower frequency components in the pulse travel faster than the higher frequency onesd)components of all frequencies travel at the same velocity.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
A pulse of electromagnetic radiation propagates through a normally dispersive medium. As it propagates, the pulse gets broadened. This is becausea)the medium amplifies the pulse.b)the higher frequency components in the pulse travel faster than the lower frequency onesc)the lower frequency components in the pulse travel faster than the higher frequency onesd)components of all frequencies travel at the same velocity.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for IIT JAM 2024 is part of IIT JAM preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the IIT JAM exam syllabus. Information about A pulse of electromagnetic radiation propagates through a normally dispersive medium. As it propagates, the pulse gets broadened. This is becausea)the medium amplifies the pulse.b)the higher frequency components in the pulse travel faster than the lower frequency onesc)the lower frequency components in the pulse travel faster than the higher frequency onesd)components of all frequencies travel at the same velocity.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for IIT JAM 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for A pulse of electromagnetic radiation propagates through a normally dispersive medium. As it propagates, the pulse gets broadened. This is becausea)the medium amplifies the pulse.b)the higher frequency components in the pulse travel faster than the lower frequency onesc)the lower frequency components in the pulse travel faster than the higher frequency onesd)components of all frequencies travel at the same velocity.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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