Do electromagnetic waves moving upside down change?

In summary, there is no position or direction for electromagnetic waves, as they are described by the electric and magnetic field vectors. This means that there is no "upside down" form for these waves, and the highest point is not necessarily the wave crest and the lowest point is not necessarily the wave trough. This can be demonstrated through a simple experiment with a flashlight, showing that light travels just as well in any direction.
  • #1
rickyyeungyeung
7
0
do electricmagnetic wave moving in upside down form? So the highest position is wave crest and the lowest is wave trough?
 
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  • #2
Hi,

As in the other thread: google is your friend

Your perception of electromagnetic waves might need some fine tuning: there is no position and no upside down. There are just ##\vec E## and ##\vec B## field vectors, closely related through the Maxwell equations.

Google e.g. this
 
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Likes davenn
  • #3
Google may be your friend, but you can answer your own question with a simple experiment:
1. Shine a flashlight with fresh batteries and bulb onto a wall.
2. Slowly rotate the flashlight along its axis until it's upside down watching for any changes in the spot on the wall as you do so.
3. If you see no changes, the conclusion is that light travels just as well upside down as right side up which is equivalent to what @BvU said, "there is no position and no upside down."
 

FAQ: Do electromagnetic waves moving upside down change?

Do electromagnetic waves change direction when they move upside down?

Yes, electromagnetic waves do change direction when they move upside down. This is because electromagnetic waves are transverse waves, meaning they oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation. When they are flipped upside down, the direction of their oscillation also flips, resulting in a change in direction.

How does changing the direction of an electromagnetic wave affect its properties?

Changing the direction of an electromagnetic wave does not affect its properties. The frequency, wavelength, and speed of the wave remain the same regardless of its direction of propagation. However, the direction of the electric and magnetic fields will change, as they are perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

Can the direction of an electromagnetic wave be controlled?

Yes, the direction of an electromagnetic wave can be controlled through the use of devices such as antennas, reflectors, and lenses. These devices manipulate the electric and magnetic fields of the wave, causing it to change direction.

How does the Earth's magnetic field affect the direction of electromagnetic waves?

The Earth's magnetic field does not directly affect the direction of electromagnetic waves. However, it can interact with the electric and magnetic fields of the wave, causing it to deviate from its original path. This effect is known as geomagnetic induction and is often used in communication and navigation systems.

Is the direction of an electromagnetic wave affected by the medium it travels through?

Yes, the direction of an electromagnetic wave can be affected by the medium it travels through. When an electromagnetic wave enters a medium with a different refractive index, it will change direction due to the change in speed. This effect is known as refraction and is commonly observed when light passes through different substances.

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