Calculation of magnetic field from electric field

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the magnetic field from an electric field in electromagnetic waves using Maxwell's equations. The electric field is expressed as E=E0exp(i(k·x - ωt)), leading to the magnetic field B=(k̂×E)/c. The inverse problem, starting with the magnetic field B=B0exp(i(k·x - ωt), results in E=cB×k̂. A hint is provided to simplify the solution using Lagrange's formula, which allows for a more efficient calculation without extensive algebra. Ultimately, the problem is resolved using simplified Maxwell's equations, confirming the relationship between electric and magnetic fields in EM waves.
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Homework Statement


In this tute on EM waves, we were given the Electric Field

\textbf{E}=\textbf{E}_0\text{exp}(i(\textbf{k}\cdot\textbf{x} - \omega t))

which after a fair bit of algebra yields the magnetic field

\textbf{B}=(\hat{\textbf{k}}\times\textbf{E})/c

Similarly the inverse problem I had to solve, given the Magnetic Field

\textbf{B}=\textbf{B}_0\text{exp}(i(\textbf{k}\cdot\textbf{x} - \omega t))

yields \textbf{E}=c\textbf{B}\times\hat{\textbf{k}}

The tute also gives a hint that this can be solved in a few lines, without heavy algebra, using Lagrange's formula.

Homework Equations



Maxwell's Equations

Lagrange's formula: \textbf{a}\times(\textbf{b}\times\textbf{c}) = (\textbf{a}\cdot\textbf{c})\textbf{b} - (\textbf{a}\cdot\textbf{b})\textbf{c}

The Attempt at a Solution



I can only solve the question the long winded way, and would like to know how it can be solved using this identity rather than equating many equations to solve coefficients!

EDIT: Forgot to mention only using simplified Maxwell's Equations, i.e. Gauss' = 0 and Ampere's has no J term
 
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I've managed to solve this myself, thanks for the help :cool:

\textbf{B}=(\hat{\textbf{k}}\times\textbf{E})/c
c\textbf{B}=(\hat{\textbf{k}}\times\textbf{E})

Then using Lagrange Triple Product
\hat{\textbf{k}}\times(\hat{\textbf{k}}\times\textbf{E}) = (\hat{\textbf{k}}\cdot\textbf{E})\hat{\textbf{k}} - (\hat{\textbf{k}}\cdot\hat{\textbf{k}})\textbf{E}
\hat{\textbf{k}}\times c\textbf{B} = - \textbf{E}

Therefore
\textbf{E} = c\textbf{B} \times \hat{\textbf{k}}
//as required
 
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