Can Electromagnetic Waves be Deflected by Electric or Magnetic Fields?

AI Thread Summary
Electromagnetic waves cannot be deflected by electric or magnetic fields in free space, as it is a linear medium. Deflection can occur only in non-linear environments where the properties of the medium are altered by the presence of other waves. Such non-linear interactions are typically found in materials like crystals, not in free space. The discussion references a question from HC Verma, emphasizing the need for context regarding the conditions under which deflection might be considered. Overall, the consensus is that without non-linearity, electromagnetic waves remain unaffected by electric or magnetic fields.
Ishita16
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Can an electromagnetic wave be deflected by electric or magnetic field.
 
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Ishita16 said:
Can an electromagnetic wave be deflected by electric or magnetic field.

Welcome to the PF.

What is the context of your question? Have you seen something in a science book or journal that suggests that this can happen? Under what conditions?
 
Interaction between two independent waves can only occur if the common environment they are propagating through is non-linear. Non-linearity means that the characteristics of the material are modified by the presence of other waves. Non-linearity is common in crystals, but free space is linear.
 
This is a question from HC Verma
No conditions mentioned
 
Ishita16 said:
This is a question from HC Verma
No conditions mentioned

Why is Dr. Verma asking you this question?
 

Thread 'Why measure the speed of light in one direction?'

It may be shown from the equations of electromagnetism, by James Clerk Maxwell in the 1860’s, that the speed of light in the vacuum of free space is related to electric permittivity (ϵ) and magnetic permeability (μ) by the equation: c=1/√( μ ϵ ) . This value is a constant for the vacuum of free space and is independent of the motion of the observer. It was this fact, in part, that led Albert Einstein to Special Relativity.
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