Transforming E and B in Electromagnetic Waves Through Moving Media

In summary, the conversation discusses the detection of electric and magnetic fields by an observer moving relative to a stationary medium. The article mentioned states that the observer will detect the presence of a magnetic field and the absence of the electric field. However, the person speaking believes that the opposite may be true and asks for the other person's opinion. The response explains that transforming the fields and coordinates from the rest system to the moving system can be complicated.
  • #1
bernhard.rothenstein
991
1
Please consider the following problem:
A plane electromagnetic wave propagates throug a stationary medium with phase velocity u<c. Consider an observer that moves with speed u relative to the medium. In
J.P. McTevish, "Maxwell's equations in media and special relativity," Eur.J.Phys. 21 229-231 2000
the Author mentions that the observer will detect the presence of a magnetic field and the absence of the electric field.
My intuition (which is not the best adviser) suggests that he will detect the presence of the static electric field and the absence of the magnetic field.
What is your oppinion and why?
Thanks
 
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  • #2
It is not as easy as that article (which I have not see or refereed) says.
You know E and B in the rest system of the dielectric as functions
of r and t. You can LT E and B, and r and t to find E and B in the moving system. It is straightforward, but could be complicated algebraicly
 
  • #3
E and B transformation

Meir Achuz said:
It is not as easy as that article (which I have not see or refereed) says.
You know E and B in the rest system of the dielectric as functions
of r and t. You can LT E and B, and r and t to find E and B in the moving system. It is straightforward, but could be complicated algebraicly
Thanks for your hint. I have realized thatg static E and B and E and B in the electromagnetic wave transform in different ways.
 

1. What is an electromagnetic wave in media?

An electromagnetic wave in media is a type of energy that travels through space and is created by the vibration of electric and magnetic fields. It can travel through different materials or media, such as air, water, or even solids.

2. How does an electromagnetic wave travel through different media?

An electromagnetic wave travels through different media by interacting with the particles of the media. The electric and magnetic fields of the wave cause the particles to vibrate, which in turn create new electric and magnetic fields, allowing the wave to continue propagating through the medium.

3. What is the speed of an electromagnetic wave in media?

The speed of an electromagnetic wave in media depends on the properties of the medium it is traveling through. In a vacuum, the speed is constant at approximately 3x10^8 meters per second. However, in other media, such as air or water, the speed may be slower due to the interaction with the particles of the medium.

4. How are different types of electromagnetic waves classified?

Electromagnetic waves are classified according to their frequency and wavelength. The electromagnetic spectrum includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays, with increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.

5. What are some practical applications of electromagnetic waves in media?

Electromagnetic waves in media have many practical applications, including communication technologies such as radio, television, and cellular phones. They are also used in medical imaging, such as X-rays, and in cooking appliances like microwaves. Additionally, electromagnetic waves are used in remote sensing for weather forecasting, navigation systems, and satellite imaging.

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