Physics (Mechanics and Heat)

Extra Credit Problem - Cell Phone Radiation

These questions will appear on your final. They refer to the 2-page article by Prof. Wathiq Abdul-Razzaq, “Cell Phone RF Radiation”. You are permitted to bring an UNMARKED copy of the paper, which you will staple to your final.

1) Given the frequency range listed for cell phones, what is the shortest wavelength for cell phone radiation?

2) In equation 1) a decay parameter ‘b’ appears. Based on Figure 1, what do you estimate this decay parameter to be? Don’t forget to include the units.

3) The RF radiation is strongly absorbed by the body, with intensity falling off with distance much more quickly than that shown in Fig. 1 (which is for air). Describe qualitatively what the RF wave is doing to the molecules composing the body, assume the molecules to be simple electric dipoles and/or simple microscopic current loops.

4) What would be a good reason that the much larger magnetic field of the Earth might not be as risky as the field caused by a cell phone?