29.

1 Introduction
29.2 Displacement Current
29.3 Electromagnetic Waves
29.4 Electromagnetic Spectrum
 2 — Optics and Modern Physics

29.1 Introduction
Earlier we have learned that a time varying magnetic field produces an electric field. Is the converse
also true? Does a time varying electric field can produce a magnetic field? James Clerk Maxwell
argued that not only an electric current but also a time varying electric field generates magnetic field.
Maxwell formulated a set of equations (known as Maxwell’s equations) involving electric and
magnetic fields. Maxwell’s equations and Lorentz force formula make all the basic laws of
electromagnetism.
The most important outcome of Maxwell’s equations is the existence of electromagnetic waves.
The changing electric and magnetic fields form the basis of electromagnetic waves. A combination of
time varying electric and magnetic fields (referred as electromagnetic wave) propagate in space very
close to the speed of light (= 3 ´ 10 8 m/s) obtained from optical measurements. We shall take a brief
discussion of electromagnetic waves mainly developed by Maxwell around 1864.

29.2 Displacement Current

An electric current produces magnetic field. Value of magnetic field (due to an electric current) at
some point can be obtained by Biot-Savart law or Ampere’s circuital law.
We have stated Ampere’s law as

ò B× d l = m 0 i ...(i)

where left hand side of this equation is the line integral of magnetic field over a closed path and i is the
electric current crossing the surface bounded by that closed path.
Ampere’s law in this form is not valid if the electric field at the surface varies with time. For an
example if we place a magnetic needle in between the plates of a capacitor during its charging or
discharging then it deflects. Although, there is no current between the plates, so magnetic field should
be zero. Hence, the needle should not show any deflection. But deflection of needle shows that there
is a magnetic field in the region between plates of capacitor during charging or discharging. So, there
must be some other source (other than current) of magnetic field. This other source is nothing but the
changing electric field. Because at the time of charging or discharging of capacitor electric field
between the plates changes.
The relation between the changing electric field and the magnetic field resulting from it is given by
df E
ò B × d l = m 0e 0 dt ...(ii)

Here, f E is the flux of the electric field through the area bounded by the closed path along which line
integral of B is calculated.
Combining Eqs. (i) and (ii), we can make a general expression of Ampere’s circuital law and that is
df E æ df E ö
ò B × d l = m 0 i + m 0e 0 dt
=m0 ç i +e0
è dt ø
÷

or ò B × d l = m 0 (i + id ) ...(iii)
 Chapter 29 Electromagnetic Waves — 3

df E
Here, id = e 0 ...(iv)
dt
is called the displacement current and which is produced by the change in electric field. The current
due to the flow of charge is often called conduction current and is denoted by ic . Thus, Eq. (iii) can
also be written as

ò B × d l = m 0 (ic + id ) ...(v)

Example
In the figure, a capacitor is charged by a battery through a resistance R. Charging of capacitor will be
exponential. A time varying charging current i flows in the circuit (due to flow of charge) till charging
continues. A time varying electric field is also produced between the plates. This causes a
displacement current id between the plates. There is no current between the plates due to flow of
charge, as a medium between the plates is insulator.
Consider two closed paths a and b as shown in figure. Ampere’s circuital law in these two paths is
Along path a

ò B × dl = m 0i or ò B × d l = m 0 ic
Along path b

ò B × d l = m 0 id
E -
+
i id
a b i = id
R

Fig. 29.1
df E
Here, id = e 0 is in the direction shown in figure. In sample example 29.1, we have shown that
dt
ic = id

Extra Points to Remember

Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction says that changing magnetic field gives rise to an electric field
and its line integral (= emf ) is given by the equation
df
ò E × d l = - dtB
A changing electric field gives rise to a magnetic field is the symmetrical counterpart of Faraday’s law. This
is a consequence of the displacement current and given by
df
ò B × d l = m 0 e0 dtE = m 0 id
Thus, time dependent electric and magnetic fields give rise to each other.
4 — Optics and Modern Physics

Maxwell’s Equations
˜
ò E × d s = qin e0 (Gauss’s law for electricity)

˜
ò B × ds = 0 (Gauss’s law for magnetism)

dfB
˜
ò E × dl = -
dt
(Faraday’s law)

dfE
˜
ò B × d l = m 0 ( i c + i d ) = m 0 i c + m 0 e0
dt
(Ampere-Maxwell’s law)

V Example 29.1 During charging of a capacitor show that the displacement

current between the plates is equal to the conduction current in the
connecting wire.
q
Solution Let A is the area of plates, q is the charge on capacitor at + -
some instant and d the separation between the plates. ic
dq
Conduction current, i c = ...(i)
dt
Electric field between the plates,
s q A q
E= = =
e0 e0 Ae 0 Fig. 29.2

The flux of the electric field through the given area is

æ q ö q
fE = EA = çç ÷A=
÷
è A e0 ø e0
dfE 1 æ dq ö
\ = ç ÷
dt e 0 è dt ø
Displacement current,
dfE
id = e 0
dt
é 1 dq ù
= e0 ê × ú
ë e 0 dt û
dq
or id = ...(ii)
dt
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we can see that
ic = id Hence Proved.

INTRODUCTORY EXERCISE 29.1

1. A parallel-plate capacitor with plate area A and separation between the plates d , is charged by a
constant current i . Consider a plane surface of area A/2 parallel to the plates and drawn
symmetrically between the plates. Find the displacement current through this area.
 Chapter 29 Electromagnetic Waves — 5

29.3 Electromagnetic Waves

Stationary charges produce only electric field. Charges in uniform motion (or steady currents)
produce both electric and magnetic fields. Accelerated charges radiate electromagnetic waves. It
is an important result of Maxwell’s theory. Thus, an accelerated charge produces all three electric
field, magnetic field and electromagnetic waves.
Consider an oscillating charged particle. Let f is the frequency of its oscillations. This oscillating
charged particle produces an oscillating electric field (of same frequency f ). Now, this oscillating
electric field becomes a source of oscillating magnetic field (Ampere-Maxwell’s law). This
oscillating magnetic field again becomes a source of oscillating electric field (Faraday’s law) and
so on.
The oscillating electric and magnetic fields regenerate each other and electromagnetic wave propagates
through the space. The frequency of the electromagnetic wave is equal to the frequency of oscillation of
the charge.
Frequency of visible light is of the order of 1014 Hz, while the maximum frequency that we can get
with modern electronic circuits is of the order of 1011 Hz. Therefore, it is difficult to experimentally
demonstrate the production of visible light. Hertz’s experiment (in 1887) demonstrated the
production of electromagnetic waves of low frequency (in radio wave region). Jagdish Chandra
Bose succeeded in producing the electromagnetic waves of much higher frequency in the laboratory.

Extra Points to Remember

˜ When electromagnetic waves propagate in space then electric and magnetic fields oscillate in mutually
perpendicular directions. Further, they are perpendicular to the direction of propagation of
electromagnetic wave also.
˜ Consider a plane electromagnetic wave propagating along the z-direction. The electric field E x is along the
x-axis and varies sinusoidally. The magnetic field By is along the y-axis and again varies sinusoidally. We
can write E x and By as
E x = E0 sin (wt - kz) and By = B0 sin (wt - kz)

Wavelength Electric field

Magnetic
field Direction of wave

Fig. 29.3
Thus, electromagnetic wave travels in the direction of E ´ B.
˜ From Maxwell’s equations and the knowledge of waves we can write the following expressions,
k = 2p l and w = 2 pf Speed of light (in vacuum)
w E 1
c = = fl= 0 =
k B0 e0m 0

where, f is the frequency of electromagnetic wave and l its wavelength.

6 — Optics and Modern Physics

˜ Unlike a mechanical wave (like sound wave) an electromagnetic wave does not require any material medium
for the oscillations of electric and magnetic fields. They can travel in vacuum also. Oscillations of electric and
magnetic fields are self sustaining in free space or vacuum.
˜ In a material medium (like glass, water etc.), electric and magnetic fields are different from the external
fields. They are described in terms of permittivity e and magnetic permeabilitym. In Maxwell’s equations, e0
and m 0 are thus replaced by e and m and the velocity of light becomes,
1
v=
em
Thus, the velocity of light depends on electric and magnetic properties of the medium.
˜ Like other waves, electromagnetic waves also carry energy and momentum.In previous chapters, we have
1 B2
studied that, energy density in electric field = e0 E 2 and energy density in magnetic field = ×
2 2 m0
An electromagnetic wave contains both electric and magnetic field. Therefore, energy density is
associated with both the fields.
˜ Consider a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the electromagnetic wave. If the total
energy transferred to a surface in time t is E, then total momentum delivered to this surface for complete
absorption is
E
Dp= (complete absorption)
c
If the wave is totally reflected, the momentum delivered is
2E
Dp= (completely reflected)
c
˜ The energy transferred per unit area per unit time perpendicular to the direction of propagation of
electromagnetic wave is called the intensity of wave. It is given by
1
I = e0 E 2c
2
Here, E is the rms value of electric field or Erms .

V Example 29.2 A plane electromagnetic wave of frequency 25 MHz travels in

free space along the x-direction. At a particular point in space and time,
. $j) V/m. What is B at this point?
E = ( 63
E0 E
Solution c= or =
B0 B
E
\ B=
c
Substituting the values in SI units,
6.3
B=
3 ´ 108
= 2.1´ 10-8 T
From the relation c = E´ B
We can see that B is along positive z- direction. Because, E is along $j direction and c along $i
direction.
 Chapter 29 Electromagnetic Waves — 7

\ B = ( 2.1´ 10-8 T ) k$ Ans.

V Example 29.3 The magnetic field in a plane electromagnetic wave is given by

B y = 2 ´ 10 -7 T sin ( 05
. ´ 103 x + 15
. ´ 1011 t) T
(a) What is the wavelength and frequency of the wave?
(b) Write an expression for the electric field.
Solution (a) Wavelength
From the given equation, we can see that
k = 0.5 ´ 103 m -1
2p
But, k=
l
2p 2p
\ l= =
k 0.5 ´ 103
. ´ 10-2 m
= 125 Ans.
Frequency
Angular frequency,
. ´ 1011 rad/s
w = 15
But, w = 2pf
w 15 . ´ 1011
\ f= = \
2p 2p
= 2.39 ´ 1010 Hz Ans.
E0
(b) c =
B0
\ E 0 = cB 0
= ( 3.0 ´ 108 ) ( 2 ´ 10-7 ) = 60 V/m
From the relation,
c = E´ B
We can see that E is along z-direction.
\ E z = ( 60 V/ m ) sin ( 0.5 ´ 103 x + 15
. ´ 1011 t ) V/m Ans.

V Example 29.4 Light with an energy flux of 18 W/cm 2 falls on a

non-reflecting surface at normal incidence. If the surface has an area of
20 cm2 , find the average force exerted on the surface during a 30 minute time
span.
Solution Total energy incident on the given surface in the given time interval is
E = ( 18 ´ 104 W / m 2 ) ( 20 ´ 10-4 m 2 ) ( 30 ´ 60 s )
= 6.48 ´ 105 J
8 — Optics and Modern Physics

Therefore, the total momentum transferred to the given surface for complete absorption is
E 6.48 ´ 105
Dp = =
c 3.0 ´ 108
= 2.16 ´ 10-3 kg - m/s
Dp 2.16 ´ 10-3
\ Fav = =
Dt 30 ´ 60
= 1.2 ´ 10-6 N Ans.

V Example 29.5 In the above example what is the average force if surface is
perfectly reflecting?
Solution (a) If the surface is perfectly reflecting, then
2E
Dp =
c
Therefore, average force is doubled or
Fav = 2.4 ´ 10-6 N Ans.

V Example 29.6 Calculate the electric and magnetic fields produced by the
radiation coming from a 100 W bulb at a distance of 3 m. Assume that the
efficiency of the bulb is 25 . % and it is a point source.
Solution Intensity at a distance r from a point source of power P is given by
P
I=
4pr 2
So, intensity at a distance of 3 m from the bulb with 2.5% efficiency will be
100 2. 5
I= 2
´
4p ( 3) 100
= 0.022 W/ m 2
Half of the intensity is provided by electric field and half by magnetic field.
I
\ I E = = 0.011 W/ m 2
2
1
But, I E is given by e 0 E 2 c
2
1 2 IE
\ IE = e 0 E 2 c or E =
2 e0 c
Substituting the values, we have
2 ´ 0.011
E=
( 8.85 ´ 10-12 ) ( 3 ´ 108 )
= 2. 9 V m Ans.
 Chapter 29 Electromagnetic Waves — 9

Note that this is actually the rms value of electric field.

From the equation, c = E/ B
E 2.9
B= =
c 3.0 ´ 108
= 9.6 ´ 10-9 T Ans.
This is again the rms value of magnetic field.

INTRODUCTORY EXERCISE 29.2

1
1. Show that the unit of is m/s.
e0 m 0

2. A capacitor is connected to an alternating current source. Is there a magnetic field between the
plates?
3. The sunlight reaching the earth has maximum electric field of 810 Vm -1. What is the maximum
magnetic field in this light?
4. The electric field in an electromagnetic wave is given by
E = (50 NC-1) sin w (t - x /c ) .
Find the energy contained in a cylinder of cross-section 10 cm 2 and length 50 cm along the
x-axis.

29.4 Electromagnetic Spectrum

The basic source of electromagnetic wave is an accelerated charge. This produces the changing
electric and magnetic fields which constitute an electromagnetic wave. An electromagnetic wave
may have its wavelength varying from zero to infinity. Not all of them are known till date. Today, we
are familiar with electromagnetic waves having wavelengths as small as 30 fm (1 fm = 10 -15 m ) to as
large as 30 km. The boundaries separating different regions of spectrum are not sharply defined, with
visible light ranging from 4000 Å to 7000 Å. An approximate range of wavelengths associated with
each colour are violet ( 4000 Å - 4500 Å), blue ( 4500 Å - 5200 Å), green (5200 Å - 5600 Å), yellow
(5600 Å - 6000 Å), orange (6000 Å - 6250 Å) and red (6250 Å - 7000 Å).
The classification of electromagnetic waves according to frequency or wavelength is called
electromagnetic spectrum. Table below gives range of wavelengths and frequencies for different
waves.
Table 29.1
S.No. Type Wavelength range Frequency range

1. Radio waves > 01

. m < 3 ´ 109 Hz

2. Micro waves 0.1 m to 1 mm 3 ´ 109 Hz to 3 ´ 1011 Hz

3. Infrared 1 mm to 7000 Å 3 ´ 1011 Hz to 4.3 ´ 1014 Hz

10 — Optics and Modern Physics

S.No. Type Wavelength range Frequency range

4. Visible light 7000 Å to 4000 Å 4.3 ´ 1014 Hz to 7.5 ´ 1014 Hz

5. Ultraviolet 4000 Å to 10 Å 7.5 ´ 1014 Hz to 3 ´ 1017 Hz

6. X-rays 10 Å to 0.01 Å 3 ´ 1017 Hz to 3 ´ 1020 Hz

7. Gamma rays < 0.01 Å > 3 ´ 1020 Hz

Note In the above table, wavelength is decreasing from top to bottom. But, frequency is increasing. Now, let
us discuss them in brief in the order of increasing wavelength.
1. Gamma Rays These high frequency radiations are usually produced in nuclear reactions and
also emitted by radioactive nuclei. They are used in medicines to destroy cancer cells.
2. X-Rays X-rays were discovered in 1895 by W.Roentgen. These are produced by the rapid
deceleration of electrons that bombard a heavy metal target. These are also produced by electronic
transitions between the energy levels in an atom. X-rays are used as a diagnostic tool in medicine
and as a treatment for certain forms of cancer.
3. Ultraviolet Rays Ultraviolet radiation is produced by special lamps and very hot bodies. The
sun is an important source of ultraviolet light. It plays an important role in the production of
vitamin-D. But prolonged doses of UV radiation can induce skin cancers in human beings. Ozone
layer in atmosphere at an altitude of about 40-50 km plays a protective role in this regarding.
Depletion of this layer by chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gas (such as Freon) is a matter of
international concern now a days.
4. Visible Light It is most familiar form of electromagnetic waves.Our eye is sensitive to visible
light. Visible light emitted or reflected from objects around us provides information about world.
Process of photosynthesis in plants needs visible light. Visible light is produced by the transition
of electrons in an atom from one energy level to other.
5. Infrared Radiation Infrared rays also sometimes referred as heat waves are produced by hot
bodies. They are perceived by us as heat. In most of the materials, water molecules are present.
These molecules readily absorb infrared rays. After absorption, their thermal motion increases,
i.e. they heat up and heat their surroundings. Infrared rays are used for early detection of tumors.
Infrared detectors are also used to observe growth of crops and for military purposes.
6. Microwaves Microwaves may be generated by the oscillations of electrons in a device called
klystron. Microwave ovens are used in kitchens. In microwave ovens frequency of the
microwaves is selected to match the resonant frequency of water molecules so that energy from
the waves is transferred to the kinetic energy of the molecules. This raises the temperature of any
food containing water.
7. Radio Waves Radio waves are generated when charges are accelerating through conducting
wires. They are generated in L - C oscillators and are used in radio and television communication
systems.
 Chapter 29 Electromagnetic Waves — 11

Extra Points to Remember

˜ Our eyes are sensitive to visible light (lbetween 4000 Å to7000 Å). Similarly, different animals are sensitive
to different ranges of wavelengths. For example, snakes can detect infrared waves.
˜ The basic difference between different types of electromagnetic waves lies in their frequencies and
wavelengths. All of them travel with same speed in vacuum. Further they differ in their mode of interaction
with matter.
For example infrared waves vibrate the electrons, atoms and molecules of a substance. These vibrations
increase the internal energy and temperature of the substance. This is why infrared waves are also called
heat waves.
˜ Electromagnetic waves interact with matter via their electric and magnetic fields, which set in oscillation
with the charges present in all matter. This interaction depends on the wavelength of the electromagnetic
wave and the nature of atoms or molecules in the medium.
˜ Microwave Oven In electromagnetic spectrum frequency and energy of microwaves is smaller than
the visible light. Water content is required for cooking food in microwave oven. Almost all food items
contain some water content. Microwaves interact with water molecules and atoms via their electric and
magnetic fields. Temperature of water molecules increases by this. These water molecules share this
energy with neighboring food molecules, heating up the food.
Porcelain vessels are used for cooking food in microwave oven. Because its large molecules vibrate and
rotate with much smaller frequencies and do not get heated up. We cannot use metal vessels. Metal
vessels interact with microwaves. These vessels may melt due to heating.
Solved Examples
V Example 1 Long distance radio broadcasts use short wave bands. Explain why?
Solution Short radio waves are reflected by ionosphere.

V Example 2 It is necessary to use satellites for long distance TV transmission.

Explain why?
Solution TV waves (part of radio waves) range from 54 MHz to 890 MHz. Unlike short wave
bands (used in radio broadcasts) which are reflected by ionosphere, TV waves are not properly
reflected by ionosphere. This is why, satellites are used for long distance TV transmission.

V Example 3 The ozone layer on the top of the stratosphere is crucial for human
survival. Explain why?
Solution Ozone layer protects ourselves from ultraviolet radiations. Over exposure to UV
radiation can cause skin cancer in human beings. Ozone layer absorbs UV radiations. But
unfortunately over use of Chlorofluoro Carbon Gases (CFCs) is depleting this ozone layer and it
is a matter of international concern now a days.

V Example 4 Optical and radio telescopes are built on ground but X-ray
astronomy is possible only from satellites orbiting the earth. Explain why?
Solution Visible and radio waves can penetrate the atmosphere, while X-rays are absorbed by
the atmosphere. This is why X-ray telescopes are installed in satellites orbiting the earth.

V Example 5 If the earth did not have an atmosphere, would its average surface
temperature be higher or lower than what it is now?
Solution Due to presence of atmosphere green house effect takes place. Heat radiated by
earth is trapped due to green house effect. In the absence of atmosphere, temperature of the
earth would be lower because the green house effect of the atmosphere would be absent.

V Example 6 Some scientists have predicted the global nuclear war on the earth
would be followed by a severe nuclear winter with a devastating effect on life on
earth. What might be the basis of this prediction?
Solution After nuclear war, clouds would perhaps cover the atmosphere of earth preventing
solar light from reaching many parts of earth. This would cause a winter.

V Example 7 Why is the orientation of the portable radio with respect to

broadcasting station important?
Solution Electromagnetic waves are plane polarised, so the receiving antenna should be
parallel to electric and magnetic part of wave.
 Chapter 29 Electromagnetic Waves — 13

V Example 8 A plane electromagnetic wave propagating in the x-direction has a

wavelength of 5.0 mm. The electric field is in the y-direction and its maximum
magnitude is 30 Vm -1 . Write suitable equations for the electric and magnetic
fields as a function of x and t.
Solution Given, l = 5 mm = 5 ´ 10-3 m
2p 2p
k= = m -1
l 5 ´ 10-3
= 1257 m-1
w
From the equation, c=
k
w = c k = (3 ´ 108 ) (1257)
= 3.77 ´ 1011 rad/s
E 0 = 30 V/m
E
c= 0
B0
E0 30
\ B0 = =
c 3 ´ 108
= 10-7 T
Now, E y = E 0 sin (wt - kx)
= (30 V /m) sin [(3.77 ´ 1011 s -1 ) t - (1257 m-1 ) x]
and Bz = (10-7 T) sin [(3.77 ´ 1011 s -1 ) t - (1257 m-1 ) x] Ans.

V Example 9 A light beam travelling in the x-direction is described by the electric

field E y = ( 300 Vm -1 ) sin w ( t - x c). An electron is constrained to move along the
. ´ 10 7 ms -1 . Find the maximum electric force and
y-direction with a speed of 20
the maximum magnetic force on the electron.
Solution Maximum Electric Force
Maximum electric field, E 0 = 300 V /m
\ Maximum electric force F = qE 0
= (1.6 ´ 10-19 ) (300)
= 4.8 ´ 10-17 N Ans.
Maximum Magnetic Force
E0
From the equation, c=
B0
E0
Maximum magnetic field, B0 =
c
300
or B0 = = 10-6 T
3.0 ´ 108
\ Maximum magnetic force = B0qv sin 90o = B0qv
Substituting the values, we have
Maximum magnetic force = (10-6 )(1.6 ´ 10-19 )(2 . 0 ´ 107 )
= 3.2 ´ 10-18 N Ans.
14 — Optics and Modern Physics

V Example 10 A parallel plate capacitor having plate area A and plate

separation d is joined to a battery of emf V and internal resistance R at t = 0.
Consider a plane surface of area A 2, parallel to the plates and situated
symmetrically between them. Find the displacement current through this surface
as a function of time. [The charge on the capacitor at time t is given by
q = CV ( 1 - e - t t ), where t = CR]
Solution Given, q = CV (1 - e- t t )
q CV
\ Surface charge density, s= = (1 - e- t t )
A A
Electric field between the plates of capacitor,
s CV
E= = (1 - e- t t )
e0 e0 A
Electric flux from the given area,
EA CV
fE = = (1 - e- t t )
2 2e0
dfE
Displacement current, i d = e0
dt
d é CV ù CV - t
or i d = e0 ê (1 - e- t t
)ú = e t
dt 2
ë 0 e û 2t
Substituting, t = CR
V - t CR
We have, id = e
2R
e A
Again substituting, C= 0
d
td
-
V e 0AR
id = e Ans.
2R

V Example 11 About 5% of the power of a 100 W light bulb is converted to visible

radiation. What is the average intensity of visible radiation
(a) at a distance of 1 m from the bulb?
(b) at a distance of 10 m?
Assume that the radiation is emitted isotropically and neglect reflection.
Solution Effective power (energy radiated per second)
= 5% of 100 W
P=5W

r
 Chapter 29 Electromagnetic Waves — 15

This energy will distribute on a sphere. At a distance r from the point source, area on which
light is incident is
S = 4 pr 2
\ Intensity at distance r from the point source,
P 5
I= = = Energy incident per unit area per unit time
S 4pr 2
(a) At r = 1m,
5
I=
4p (1)2
= 0.4 W/m2 Ans.
(b) At r = 10 m,
5
I=
4p (10)2
= 0.004 W/m2 Ans.

V Example 12 Suppose that the electric field of an electromagnetic wave in

vacuum is E = {( 3.0 N /C ) cos [( 1.8 rad / m) y + ( 5.4 ´ 10 6 rad / s) t]} $i.
(a) What is the direction of propagation of wave?
(b) What is the wavelength l?
(c) What is the frequency f?
(d) What is the amplitude of the magnetic field of the wave?
(e) Write an expression for the magnetic field of the wave.
Solution (a) From the knowledge of wave we can see that electromagnetic wave is travelling
along negative y -direction, as wt and ky both are positive.
(b) k = 1.8 rad /m
2p
k=
l
2p 2p
\ l= = = 3.5 m Ans.
k 1.8
(c) w = 5.4 ´ 106 rad /s
w = 2pf
w 5.4 ´ 106
\ f = =
2p 2p
= 8.6 ´ 105 Hz Ans.
(d) E 0 = 3.0 N/C
E
From the relation, c= 0
B0
E0 3.0
We have, B0 = =
c 3.0 ´ 108
= 10-8 T Ans.
$
(e) E is along i direction, wave is travelling along negative y-direction. Therefore, oscillations of B
are along z-direction or
B = (10-8 T) cos [(1.8 rad /m) y + (5.4 ´ 106 rad /s ) t ] k
$ Ans.
16 — Optics and Modern Physics

V Example 13 A parallel plate capacitor made of circular plates each of radius

R = 6.0 cm has a capacitance C = 100 pF . The capacitor is connected to a 230 V
AC supply with a (angular) frequency of 300 rad / s.

(a) What is the rms value of the conduction current?

(b) Is the conduction current equal to the displacement current?
(c) Determine the amplitude of B at a point 3.0 cm from the axis between the plates.
Solution (a) Capacitive reactance,
1
XC =
wC
1
=
300 ´ 100 ´ 10-12
108
= W
3
There is only capacitance in the circuit.
V rms
\ i rms =
XC
230
=
(108 / 3)
= 6.9 ´ 10-6 A Ans.
(b) Yes, the derivation in example 29.1 is true even if current is alternating.
(c) Here, i d is displacement current and i the conduction current. Magnetic field at a distance r
from the axis,
m i
B = 0 d2 r
2p R
m 0 i rms
\ Brms = r (i d = i = i rms )
2 p R2
Substituting the values, we have
(2 ´ 10-7 ) (6.9 ´ 10-6 ) -2
Brms = (3 ´ 10 )
(6 ´ 10-2)2
= 1.15 ´ 10-11 T
\ B0 = 2 Brms
= ( 2 ) (1.15 ´ 10-11 ) T
= 1.63 ´ 10-11 T Ans.