Calculate Poynting Vector for Given Fields

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the Poynting vector for given electromagnetic fields, specifically focusing on the expressions for the electric field \(\vec{E}\) and magnetic field \(\vec{B}\). Participants are exploring the implications of complex components in these fields and their contributions to the Poynting vector.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the real part of the electric field \(\vec{E}\) while expressing concerns about handling imaginary components. Some participants question the necessity of assuming a specific direction for \(\vec{p_{\omega}}\) and discuss the effects of cross-products in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, raising questions about assumptions and the treatment of complex terms. There is a recognition of different approaches to calculating real parts of the fields, and some guidance has been offered regarding the interactions between real and imaginary components.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the assumptions made regarding the direction of \(\vec{p_{\omega}}\) and how these assumptions affect the calculations. Participants are also considering the implications of using different formulations of the Poynting vector.

LocationX
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I am asked to calculate the pointing vector for the following fields:

[tex]\vec{B}=k^2 \frac{e^{ikr}}{r} \left( 1+\frac{i}{kr} \right) \hat{r} \times \vec{p_{\omega}}[/tex]

[tex]\vec{E}=\frac{i}{k} (\vec{\nabla} e^{ikr}) \times \left( \frac{k^2}{r} \left(1+\frac{i}{kr} \left) \hat{r} \times \vec{p_{\omega}} \left) + \frac{i}{k} e^{ikr} \vec{\nabla} \times \left( \frac{k^2}{r} \left( i +\frac{i}{kr} \right) \hat{r} \times \vec{p_{\omega}} \right)[/tex]

We know that:

[tex]\vec{S} = \frac{c}{4 \pi} Re(\vec{E}) \times Re(\vec{B})[/tex]

We know that:

I can figure out [tex]Re(\vec{B})[/tex] assuming that P_omega points in the z direction:

[tex]Re(\vec{B})=k^2 p_{\omega} \frac{e^{ikr}}{r} sin \theta \hat{\phi}[/tex]

since the imaginary term in B vanishes when taking the real part.

I am not sure how to calculate the real part of E, any thoughts would be appreciated.
 
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Why do you want to assume a particular direction for P_omega? If I remember correctly, if you play your cross-products right, you should get an expected result ...

You're forgetting the imaginary part of e^ikr. And this imaginary part will multiply the imaginary part of the other factor in B and result in another real contribution.
 
turin said:
Why do you want to assume a particular direction for P_omega? If I remember correctly, if you play your cross-products right, you should get an expected result ...

You're forgetting the imaginary part of e^ikr. And this imaginary part will multiply the imaginary part of the other factor in B and result in another real contribution.

we assume a particular direction for P_omega so that r x p_omega will give the sin(theta) term

I am having trouble with finding the real part of E because I'm not sure how to find the real parts when imaginary terms are being crossed with real terms, any ideas?
 
LocationX said:
... I'm not sure how to find the real parts when imaginary terms are being crossed with real terms, any ideas?
Re x Re = Re.
Im x I am = (-)Re.
Re x I am = Im.
Im x Re = Im.

You may also use i = e^ipi/2, and add phases to keep the expressions in polar form. In principle, both of these should be possible; however, choosing which way is more convenient comes with experience. Try both, and you will start to develop an intuition for it.

EDIT: Oh, wait, your expression for S is different than what I'm used to. I use Re(ExB*), or actually Re(ExH*). Sorry for the confusion. Anyway, you can't have Re(something) = something x e^ikr.
 
Last edited:

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