Direction of electromagnetic field

In summary: If a negative change in t goes with a positive change in x then the wave is retreating in the -x direction.
  • #1
palkia
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Homework Statement


[/B]In this question, it asks for the magnetic field associated with the electromagnetic wave.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



The magnetic field is perpendicular to Electric field but it can be in either x or z direction...how do I choose the direction.I
 

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  • #3
But in my question,why does the wave travel in -x direction
 
  • #4
palkia said:
But in my question,why does the wave travel in -x direction
That's what the question setter chose.
Note that this might flip the answer compared to the example at the link I posted.
 
  • #5
Is it because of kx+wt or is it part of the question?
 
  • #6
palkia said:
Is it because of kx+wt
Yes, the form kx+wt tells you it is traveling in the -x direction, assuming k and w are positive.
You can figure this out by asking where the wave will move to after time Δt. This is the same as asking what change Δx in x will cancel out the change Δt in t:
sin(kx+kΔx+wt+wΔt)=sin(kx+wt) for all x.
Clearly it is kΔx=-wΔt, so the wave is traveling in the -x direction at speed w/k.
 
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  • #7
So by shfting by dt of the magnetic or electric field will tell us the direction
 
  • #8
palkia said:
So by shfting by dt of the magnetic or electric field will tell us the direction
By shifting the time base and considering what corresponding shift in x will keep the wave unchanged. If a positive change in t goes with a positive change in x then the wave is advancing in the +x direction.
 
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1. What is the direction of an electromagnetic field?

The direction of an electromagnetic field refers to the orientation or path in which the electric and magnetic components of the field are oscillating. This direction is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the electromagnetic wave.

2. How is the direction of an electromagnetic field determined?

The direction of an electromagnetic field is determined by the right-hand rule, where the direction of the thumb represents the direction of the electric field and the direction of the curled fingers represents the direction of the magnetic field. The direction of propagation is then perpendicular to both the electric and magnetic fields.

3. Can the direction of an electromagnetic field change?

Yes, the direction of an electromagnetic field can change depending on the orientation of the source of the field and the location of the observer. For example, the direction of the field may change when passing through different materials or when encountering other electromagnetic fields.

4. What is the significance of the direction of an electromagnetic field?

The direction of an electromagnetic field is important in understanding how electromagnetic waves interact with matter and how they can be manipulated for various applications such as communication, energy transfer, and imaging. It also plays a crucial role in the behavior of charged particles in magnetic and electric fields.

5. Is the direction of an electromagnetic field the same as the direction of an electromagnetic wave?

No, the direction of an electromagnetic field and the direction of an electromagnetic wave are not the same. While the direction of the field is perpendicular to the direction of propagation, the direction of the wave refers to the direction in which the wave is traveling. In other words, the direction of the wave is the same as the direction of the electron oscillations in the field, which are perpendicular to the direction of the field.

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