State the part of the electromagnetic spectrum to which 1057 MHz (freq...
Radio waves are the radiation arising from two close energy levels in hydrogen.
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State the part of the electromagnetic spectrum to which 1057 MHz (freq...
Explanation:
When electromagnetic waves propagate through a dielectric material, their speed is generally slower compared to their speed in a vacuum or free space. This is due to the interaction between the waves and the atoms or molecules in the dielectric material.
Dielectric Material:
A dielectric material is an insulating material that does not conduct electric current easily. Examples of dielectric materials include glass, rubber, plastic, and ceramic.
Interaction with atoms/molecules:
When an electromagnetic wave passes through a dielectric material, it interacts with the atoms or molecules in the material. The wave induces electric dipoles in the atoms or molecules, causing them to oscillate.
Polarization:
This oscillation of the electric dipoles in the dielectric material results in the polarization of the material. The polarization causes the electric field of the wave to be partially canceled out by the induced dipoles, leading to a slower propagation speed.
Phase Velocity:
The speed at which an electromagnetic wave travels through a medium is called its phase velocity. In a dielectric material, the phase velocity is given by v = c/n, where c is the speed of light in a vacuum and n is the refractive index of the material.
Refractive Index:
The refractive index of a material is a measure of how much slower light travels in that material compared to a vacuum. It is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in the material.
Lower Speed in Dielectric:
Since the refractive index of a dielectric material is greater than 1, the speed of light in the material is less than the speed of light in a vacuum. Therefore, electromagnetic waves propagate slower in a dielectric material compared to free space.
Conclusion:
In summary, electromagnetic waves propagate slower in a dielectric material due to the interaction between the waves and the atoms or molecules in the material. This interaction causes the wave to induce electric dipoles and leads to partial cancellation of the electric field, resulting in a slower propagation speed.