Energy Carried by Electromagnetic Waves Video Lessons

Concept

# Problem: Suppose the maximum safe average intensity of microwaves for human exposure is 1.00 W/m2. Early radar units leaked radiation more than modern ones do, which caused identifiable health problems, such as cataracts, for people who worked near them.a) if a radar unit leaks 14.5 W microwave radiation uniformly in all directions, what is the closest distance, in centimeters, you can be to the unit and still be considered safe? Assume that the power spreads uniformly with no complications from absorption or reflection.b) What is the maximum electric field strength (in volts per meter) of the microwave radiation at the maximum safe intensity?

###### FREE Expert Solution

In terms of the electric field, the average intensity is equal to:

$\overline{){\mathbf{I}}{\mathbf{=}}\frac{\mathbf{1}}{\mathbf{c}{\mathbf{\mu }}_{\mathbf{0}}}{\mathbf{·}}\frac{{\mathbf{E}}^{\mathbf{2}}}{\mathbf{2}}}$

(a)

The area is spherical, A = 4πr2

Power, P = 14.5 W

I = 1.00 W/m2

98% (423 ratings)
###### Problem Details

Suppose the maximum safe average intensity of microwaves for human exposure is 1.00 W/m2. Early radar units leaked radiation more than modern ones do, which caused identifiable health problems, such as cataracts, for people who worked near them.

a) if a radar unit leaks 14.5 W microwave radiation uniformly in all directions, what is the closest distance, in centimeters, you can be to the unit and still be considered safe? Assume that the power spreads uniformly with no complications from absorption or reflection.

b) What is the maximum electric field strength (in volts per meter) of the microwave radiation at the maximum safe intensity?

What scientific concept do you need to know in order to solve this problem?

Our tutors have indicated that to solve this problem you will need to apply the Energy Carried by Electromagnetic Waves concept. You can view video lessons to learn Energy Carried by Electromagnetic Waves. Or if you need more Energy Carried by Electromagnetic Waves practice, you can also practice Energy Carried by Electromagnetic Waves practice problems.