Question

Which of the following phenomenon/phenomena contribute to intensity loss of electromagnetic radiation during transmission through a medium?

• A. Electronic absorption
• B. Rayleigh scattering
• C. Photon = phonon interaction
• D. Stimulated emission

Hint:

Intensity loss in electromagnetic radiation can occur due to absorption, scattering, and interactions with the medium. Each mechanism affects different wavelengths and types of radiation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B, C

When electromagnetic radiation passes through a medium, its intensity may be reduced due to various phenomena. Let's review each option:
1. Option (A): Electronic absorption.
This is correct. Electronic absorption occurs when the electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by the electrons of the atoms or molecules in the medium. This absorption leads to a loss of intensity as the energy of the incoming radiation is transferred to the medium's electrons. This is a common mechanism for intensity loss, particularly in materials that strongly interact with light.
2. Option (B): Rayleigh scattering.
This is correct. Rayleigh scattering occurs when electromagnetic waves interact with small particles or molecules in the medium. This scattering leads to a loss of intensity in the forward direction as the energy is scattered in other directions. Rayleigh scattering is responsible for effects such as the blue color of the sky and can cause intensity loss in optical systems, especially when the wavelength of light is comparable to the size of the scattering particles.
3. Option (C): Photon = phonon interaction.
This is correct. The interaction between photons and phonons (quanta of lattice vibrations) can result in the transfer of energy from the photon to the lattice, causing a loss of intensity in the transmitted radiation. This phenomenon is typically observed in solids and contributes to the attenuation of light passing through materials.
4. Option (D): Stimulated emission.
This is incorrect. Stimulated emission refers to the process by which an electron in an excited state is induced to drop to a lower energy level by the incident radiation, emitting a photon in the process. While stimulated emission contributes to light amplification (as in lasers), it does not contribute to intensity loss. In fact, it can lead to an increase in intensity.
Thus, the correct answers are options (A), (B), and (C), as they all contribute to the intensity loss of electromagnetic radiation during transmission.