Question

A microwave transmitter is oriented so that it produces microwaves with a vertical electric field polarization. A receiver is arranged so that it is directly in front of the transmitter at a distance of 100 cm from the transmitter. When the receiver is oriented vertically so that it aligns perfectly with the transmitter polarization, the receiver detects a signal strength of 0.559 watts/m2. What signal strength will the receiver detect when it is still directly in front of the transmitter at a distance of 100 cm, but it is rotated away from the vertical orientation (see photo above) by 40.2 degrees

Answer 1

0.349W/m^2

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the intensity when the transmitter is rotated 40.2° you use the following formula:

`I_\theta=I_ocos^2\theta`

where Io is the total intensity of the microwave in the transmitter. You take into account that the polarization of the microwave is vertical, hence, when the transmitter is oriented vertically it detects the total intensity Io. Then you have:

Io = 0.559 W/m^2

When the transmitter is rotated you have:

`I_(40.2\°)=(0.599(W)/(m^2))cos^2(40.2\°)=0.349(W)/(m^2)`

Hence, the intensity is 0.349W/m^2