Electromagnetic Waves: Interaction with Matter

This lecture covers the interaction of electromagnetic waves with matter, focusing on transmission and reflection phenomena. It delves into the behavior of waves in confined spaces, such as standing waves on a string, and explores the allowed wavelengths and wave vectors. The discussion extends to the reflection and refraction of waves at boundaries, emphasizing the impact of boundary conditions on wave interference. The lecture also addresses the transmission of electromagnetic waves through different materials, highlighting the changes in wavelength and amplitude. Complex wave vectors and the Lambert-Beer law are introduced to explain the attenuation of waves in materials.