Cartesian Co-ordinates of Plane Wave

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the expression for a plane wave in Cartesian coordinates, specifically for a wave with amplitude A and frequency ω propagating in the direction of the vector k, which points from the origin to the point (4, 2, 1). The correct expression for the electric field of the wave is E(r,t) = A * e^(i(k·r - ωt)), where k is defined as k = (4k/sqrt(21), 2k/sqrt(21), k/sqrt(21)). The participants clarify that k·r equals 4x + 2y + z, confirming the correct formulation of the wave equation.

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  • Understanding of plane wave equations in electromagnetism
  • Familiarity with vector notation and dot products
  • Knowledge of complex exponentials in wave mechanics
  • Basic skills in Cartesian coordinate systems
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Ayame17
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Write an expression in Cartesian coordinates for a plane wave of amplitude A and frequency ω propagating in the direction of the vector k which, in turn, lies on a line drawn from the origin to the point (4,2,1).



Well, we know plane wave is E(r,t)= E*e^(i(kr –ωt)) where E = A*(direction of propagation) for a 3D wave. However, we're not entirely sure where to go now. One of our friends believes it should just be A*e^(i(kr –ωt)), ie just the amplitude , not propagation as above. We also think that it might be E*e^(i(4x+2y+z –ωt)), as k*r should equal 4x+2y+z. Are we anywhere near being along the right lines?
 
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No.
k.r means xk_x+yk_y+zk_z.
You need to find the components of k.
k_x=4k/sqrt(21), etc.
 

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