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Waves
Waves

Transmission Coefficient

T=1−R=4v1v2(v1+v2)2T = 1 - R = \frac{4v_1 v_2}{(v_1 + v_2)^2}

Fraction of wave power transmitted through boundary between two media.

Variables

T
Transmission coefficient
Fraction of power transmitted (0-1)
unitless
R
Reflection coefficient
Fraction reflected
unitless
v₁
Wave speed in medium 1
Incident medium
m/s
v₂
Wave speed in medium 2
Transmitted medium
m/s

Derivation

Energy conservation: T + R = 1. T = 4v₁v₂/(v₁+v₂)².

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Common questions

What is the Transmission Coefficient formula?

Transmission Coefficient is written T = 1 - R = 4v₁ v₂/(v₁ + v₂)². Fraction of wave power transmitted through boundary between two media. It belongs to Waves, under Wave Properties.

What are the units in T = 1 - R = 4v₁ v₂/(v₁ + v₂)²?

In SI units, T is transmission coefficient (dimensionless); R is reflection coefficient (dimensionless); v₁ is wave speed in medium 1, measured in m/s; v₂ is wave speed in medium 2, measured in m/s.

How is the Transmission Coefficient formula derived?

Energy conservation: T + R = 1. T = 4v₁v₂/(v₁+v₂)². The result is T = 1 - R = 4v₁ v₂/(v₁ + v₂)².