Plane-polarized electromagnetic waves

In summary, the problem discusses a plane-polarised electromagnetic wave with a given magnetic field in vacuum. The direction of propagation is +z, the average energy density is 0.398Jm-3, and the fraction of this energy that would pass through a polarizer at 30 degrees is unknown.
  • #1
twoscoops
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Homework Statement



Consider a plane-polarised electromagnetic wave in source-free vacuum, with magnetic field B = (1,1,0)BoCos(kz-wt), with Bo = 0.001 Tesla. Find
(1) the direction of propagation of the wave,
(2) average energy density carried by the wave, and
(3) the fraction of this energy which would pass through a perfect polariod sheet at normal incidence, if the angle between B and the transmission axis of the polariser is 30degrees.

Homework Equations


Uvpw = eoEo^2cos^2(kz-wt)
Bo=Eo/c
eo = 8.854x10^-12
Not really sure of any others

The Attempt at a Solution


(1)travelling in the +z direction
(2)Bo=Eo/c Eo= 10^5
<Uvpw> = eoEo^2x(average of cos^2) average cos^2 = 0.5
<Uvpw> = 0.5eoEo^2 = 0.398Jm-3

Im pretty sure the first two are right but I am stumped how to do part 3.
Thanks
 
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  • #2
A polarizer let's the component of the electric field parallel to the transmission axis through; it blocks the perpendicular component.
 

1. What is a plane-polarized electromagnetic wave?

A plane-polarized electromagnetic wave is a type of transverse wave that consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation. In other words, the wave is confined to a single plane, hence the term "plane-polarized".

2. How is a plane-polarized electromagnetic wave created?

A plane-polarized electromagnetic wave can be created by passing a regular electromagnetic wave through a polarizing filter, which only allows waves oscillating in a certain direction to pass through. This results in a wave with a fixed direction of polarization.

3. What is the difference between a plane-polarized wave and an unpolarized wave?

An unpolarized wave consists of an equal mixture of waves oscillating in all possible directions, while a plane-polarized wave only oscillates in one direction. This results in different properties and behaviors, such as the ability of plane-polarized waves to be blocked by polarizing filters.

4. What is the significance of plane-polarized waves in everyday life?

Plane-polarized waves have various practical applications, such as in sunglasses, where they can reduce glare and improve visibility by blocking horizontally polarized light. They are also used in communication systems, such as satellite transmissions, to prevent interference between different signals.

5. Can plane-polarized waves be converted back to unpolarized waves?

Yes, plane-polarized waves can be converted back to unpolarized waves by passing them through a second polarizing filter oriented at a different angle. This process is known as polarization rotation and is used in some optical devices, such as liquid crystal displays.

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