Experiment 6: Electromagnetic Radiation

Introduction:
This lab was conducted in order to observe electromagnetic radiation through the use of an antenna and a oscilloscope.

Data:

Set up of the experiment.

An example of the oscilloscope when the antenna is at 0.1 meters from the receiver.

An example of the oscilloscope when the antenna is 0.3 meters from the receiver.

Table of data recorded from measurements on oscilloscope.

Our graph with an A/r fit.

Our graph with an A/r^2 fit.

As we can see from the graphs, our data best fits an A/r graph.

Results/Conclusion:

Theoretical Analysis:

L = 0.1 Meters

Q = 1.24 * 10 ^ -10 Coulombs

V_0 = 40.29 mV

From calc varient: 

  V=  2kQ/L (ln|L/2+√(L^2/4+z^2 )|-ln|z|) + Vo

V =  2k(1.24*10 ^ -10)/0.1 (ln|0.1/2+√(0.1^2/4+z^2 )|-ln|z|) + 40.29

Theoretical voltage as distance increases.

Graph of theoretical voltage vs. distance.

Comparing the theoretical values to the experimental values:

Comparison graph between the two sets of voltage values vs distance.

The value sets are around the same, but there are obvious errors in the measurements taken.

Uncertainty Analysis:

Voltage uncertainty: +- 10 mV for 50 mV

                              +- 5 mV for 20 mV

                              +- 2 mV for 10 mV

Distance uncertainty: Operational error = +- 0.0001 meters

                               Systematic error = +- 0.02 meters

Total uncertainty: 0.021 meters +- 0.001 meters

Theoretical voltages using uncertainty from distance measurements.

Graph of theoretical voltage maximums and minimums.

Graph of peak to peak voltage with uncertainties.

Comparison of theoretical maximums and minimums with peak to peak voltages with uncertainties.

Comparing the theoretical and experimental graphs, we can see that our graphs don't agree with each other. 

Discussion:
Through this experiment, we found that frequency, distance, and voltage all affect the  magnitude of the electromagnetic wave radiation. Our uncertainty values could be given by bad measurements and faulty equipment. We found that other devices placed near the oscilloscope affected the reading on the oscilloscope, such as cellular phones or other devices that give off electromagnetic radiation.