Do Fresnell equations apply to other waves than EM waves?

AI Thread Summary
Fresnel equations are fundamentally based on Maxwell's equations, which govern electromagnetic (EM) waves, indicating their primary applicability to EM phenomena. The discussion raises the question of whether similar principles, such as Brewster and critical angles, can be adapted for other types of waves, like sound waves in water. While some mechanical waves exhibit behaviors like half wave loss upon reflection, the specific polarization aspects of Fresnel equations do not directly translate to sound waves. The conversation also touches on the need for comprehensive modeling in sound wave propagation, suggesting an interest in exploring analogous equations. Ultimately, the consensus is that Fresnel equations are specific to EM waves, but there may be comparable behaviors in other wave types under certain conditions.
DragonPetter
Messages
830
Reaction score
1
When I read about Fresnel equations, I see that it is based on boundary equations determined by Maxwell's equations. So I would think these equations only apply to EM waves.

But is there a similar behavior in other waves like sound waves in water? Would I want to use or modify Fresnel equations for other waves than EM waves?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm going to guess that Fresnell equations is only specific to EM waves because it is using the parallel and perpendicular polarization which I think does not apply to sound waves
 
DragonPetter said:
When I read about Fresnel equations, I see that it is based on boundary equations determined by Maxwell's equations. So I would think these equations only apply to EM waves.

But is there a similar behavior in other waves like sound waves in water? Would I want to use or modify Fresnel equations for other waves than EM waves?

They only apply to electromagnetic waves.

What does "similar behavior" mean? Half wave loss? Then yes, mechanical waves have half wave loss when reflected on certain conditions too.
 
netheril96 said:
They only apply to electromagnetic waves.

What does "similar behavior" mean? Half wave loss? Then yes, mechanical waves have half wave loss when reflected on certain conditions too.

Well, by similar behavior, I mean about having a brewster and critical angle, and the same or similar relationships between impedance,transmittance/reflectance, and incident/reflected/transmitted angles.

I am trying to make a ray trace of sound in water, and want to be as comprehensive as possible, so I would like to apply any equations I can.
 
Also what is half wave loss? Are you referring to phase change on reflections ?
 
DragonPetter said:
Also what is half wave loss? Are you referring to phase change on reflections ?

Yes. Or maybe half wave loss is not the correct English name?
 

Thread 'Maxwell stress tensor'

This is from Griffiths' Electrodynamics, 3rd edition, page 352. I am trying to calculate the divergence of the Maxwell stress tensor. The tensor is given as ##T_{ij} =\epsilon_0 (E_iE_j-\frac 1 2 \delta_{ij} E^2)+\frac 1 {\mu_0}(B_iB_j-\frac 1 2 \delta_{ij} B^2)##. To make things easier, I just want to focus on the part with the electrical field, i.e. I want to find the divergence of ##E_{ij}=E_iE_j-\frac 1 2 \delta_{ij}E^2##. In matrix form, this tensor should look like this...
View full post »
Thread 'Applying the Gauss (1835) formula for force between 2 parallel DC currents'

Thread 'Applying the Gauss (1835) formula for force between 2 parallel DC currents'

Please can anyone either:- (1) point me to a derivation of the perpendicular force (Fy) between two very long parallel wires carrying steady currents utilising the formula of Gauss for the force F along the line r between 2 charges? Or alternatively (2) point out where I have gone wrong in my method? I am having problems with calculating the direction and magnitude of the force as expected from modern (Biot-Savart-Maxwell-Lorentz) formula. Here is my method and results so far:- This...
View full post »

Similar threads

EM wave reflected or transmitted?
Replies
8
Views
3K
EM waves, longitudinal EM propagation?
Replies
15
Views
3K
From Maxwell's equations to EM waves
Replies
9
Views
9K
Are Electromagnetic Waves Always Transverse?
Replies
8
Views
3K
Is the polarization of electromagnetic waves definite or in superposition?
Replies
6
Views
2K
Want accurate cartoons of EM Waves
Replies
5
Views
4K
I Why can't objects be seen if the wavelength is too long?
Replies
20
Views
3K
EM wave generation using a single charge in a vaccum?
Replies
4
Views
3K
Question about light as an EM wave
Replies
9
Views
2K
A Voltage and current waves in a transmission line
Replies
4
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top