Mathematical descriptions of opacity

<p>When an <a href="/facts/Electromagnetic_wave/Ynx7ujCW">electromagnetic wave</a> travels through a medium in which it gets attenuated (this is called an "<a href="/facts/Opacity_(optics)/l90q0sAV">opaque</a>" or "<a href="/facts/Attenuation_constant/3XpFb0q1">attenuating</a>" medium), it undergoes <a href="/facts/Exponential_decay/wLB1zYDP">exponential decay</a> as described by the <a href="/facts/Beer%E2%80%93Lambert_law/nl64rI1C">Beer–Lambert law</a>. However, there are many possible ways to characterize the wave and how quickly it is attenuated. This article describes the mathematical relationships among:
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<ul><li><a href="/facts/Attenuation_coefficient/ppCIsSGw">attenuation coefficient</a>;</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Penetration_depth/QW4glQs0">penetration depth</a> and <a href="/facts/Skin_depth/7TU0huYR">skin depth</a>;</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Wavenumber/cLaLAeW5">complex angular wavenumber</a> and <a href="/facts/Propagation_constant/3XpFb0q1">propagation constant</a>;</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Complex_refractive_index/yjkzvgeE">complex refractive index</a>;</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Complex_permittivity/Sd3WtgT1">complex electric permittivity</a>;</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Alternating_current/qxICS3xa">AC</a> <a href="/facts/Electrical_conductivity/akyCKvMy">conductivity</a> (<a href="/facts/Susceptance/WJaPf9Qu">susceptance</a>).</li></ul>
<p>Note that in many of these cases there are multiple, conflicting definitions and conventions in common use. This article is not necessarily comprehensive or universal.
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Mathematical descriptions of opacity open-in-new

Mathematical descriptions of opacity