Problem Set 2 (Due 9/25/2025 before class)
Late homework will NOT be accepted, unless you have notified
course instructor 3 days BEFORE deadline.
1. Considering Eq. (3.30) Ey = c Bz, show that the expression below is
correct as it applies to a plane wave for which the direction of the
electric field is constant
Explain your steps!
2. An electromagnetic wave is specified by the following function
3. The time average of some function ƒ(t) taken over an interval T is:
where t’ is just a dummy variable
(a) Show that, for any interval T:
(b) Prove that, for any interval T:
4. Prove that irradiance of a harmonic EM wave in vacuum is given by
and then determine the average rate at which energy is transported per
unit area by a plane wave having an amplitude of 12.0 V/m.
5. Consider a linearly polarized plane electromagnetic wave travelling in
the +x-direction in free space having as its plane of vibration the xy-
plane. Given that its frequency is 5 MHz and its amplitude is E0 =
0.05 V/m,
(a) Find the period and wavelength of the wave.
(b) Write expressions for E(t) and B(t). Sketch them as a function of t
(c) Find the flux density, <S>, of the wave.
6. A laser provides pulses of EM-radiation in vacuum lasting 5 ×10-11 s.
If the radiant flux density is 2×1020 W/m2, determine the amplitude of
the electric field of the beam.
7. How many photons per second are emitted from a 1.0-W green LED
if we assume a wavelength of 550 nm? You may want to read the
associated sections in chapter 3 of the book.
8. What is the speed of light in diamond if the index of refraction is
2.42?
9. A plane, harmonic, linearly polarized lightwave has an electric field
intensity (while travelling in a piece of glass) given by
Find:
10. A lightwave travels from point A to point B in vacuum. Suppose
we introduce into its path a flat glass plate (ng = 1.50) of thickness L
= 1.00 mm. If the vacuum wavelength is 500 nm, how many waves
span the space from A to B with and without the glass in place? What
phase shift is introduced with the insertion of the plate? Read the
book chapter 3
11. Crystal quartz has refractive indexes of 1.557 and 1.547 at
wavelengths of 400.0 nm and 500.0 nm, respectively. Using only the
first two terms in Cauchy’s equation, calculate C1 and C2 and
determine the index of refraction of quartz at 610.0 nm. Read the
book chapter 3 and find out.
12. If an ultraviolet photon is to dissociate the oxygen and carbon
atoms in the carbon dioxide molecule, it must provide 8 eV of energy.
What is the minimum frequency of the appropriate radiation?
