Electromagnetic transverse wave question

In summary, an electromagnetic transverse wave is a type of wave that consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation. These waves differ from other types of waves in the direction in which the particles of the medium vibrate. The speed of an electromagnetic transverse wave depends on the medium it is traveling through, with the speed in a vacuum being approximately 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second. These waves are generated by the acceleration of electric charges and have numerous real-world applications, including communication, cooking, medical imaging, and lighting. They are also used in scientific research to study and understand the properties of objects and substances.
  • #1
Blitzy89
11
0
Hello. I'm having some difficulty with a question from Optics (4th edition, Hecht).
http://milicioner.hit.bg/newphysicsquestion.GIF
I included the answer in the same image (it is at the end of the book), but I can't understand why (-E/(rsqr2))i must be negative.
Thank you
 
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  • #2
What is the vector pointing along the direction of propagation? Then remember E has to be perpendicular to it because light is a transverse wave.
 

1. What is an electromagnetic transverse wave?

An electromagnetic transverse wave is a type of wave that consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation. Examples of electromagnetic transverse waves include radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and X-rays.

2. How do electromagnetic transverse waves differ from other types of waves?

Electromagnetic transverse waves differ from other types of waves, such as longitudinal waves, in the direction in which the particles of the medium vibrate. In transverse waves, the particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, while in longitudinal waves, the particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

3. What is the speed of an electromagnetic transverse wave?

The speed of an electromagnetic transverse wave depends on the medium through which it is traveling. In a vacuum, the speed of electromagnetic transverse waves is approximately 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second, which is also known as the speed of light.

4. How are electromagnetic transverse waves generated?

Electromagnetic transverse waves are generated by the acceleration of electric charges. This can occur through various processes, such as the movement of electrons in an antenna to produce radio waves or the movement of electrons in a light bulb filament to produce visible light.

5. What are some real-world applications of electromagnetic transverse waves?

Electromagnetic transverse waves have a wide range of practical applications, including communication (e.g. radio, television, and cell phones), cooking (e.g. microwaves), medical imaging (e.g. X-rays), and lighting (e.g. visible light). They are also used in scientific research, such as in spectroscopy and astronomy, to study and understand the properties of objects and substances.

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