Electromagnetic transverse wave question

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a question from "Optics" (4th edition) by Eugene Hecht regarding the behavior of electromagnetic transverse waves. The user seeks clarification on why the electric field component, represented as (-E/(rsqr2))i, is negative. The conversation emphasizes that in transverse waves, the electric field (E) must be perpendicular to the direction of propagation, which is a fundamental characteristic of light waves.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave theory
  • Familiarity with vector notation in physics
  • Knowledge of transverse wave properties
  • Basic concepts from optics, specifically from "Optics" by Hecht
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of transverse waves in detail
  • Explore vector analysis in electromagnetic fields
  • Review the chapter on electromagnetic waves in "Optics" (4th edition, Hecht)
  • Investigate the implications of negative components in wave equations
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying optics, educators teaching electromagnetic theory, and anyone interested in the mathematical representation of light waves.

Blitzy89
Messages
11
Reaction score
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
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

Show that the radiation field is transverse
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Voltage and current waves in a transmission line
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Graduate Electric and magnetic field lines in a plane wave of finite extent
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Solving EM Wave Questions: Polarization, Direction, Phase Velocity, Amplitude
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad How can electromagnetic waves be transverse?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
Undergrad Can a sound wave be transverse?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
8K
Resultant Frequency and Wavelength of Interfering Sound Waves
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad In what direction does a light wave vibrate?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Why can’t transverse waves travel through a gas or liquid?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
9K
Correct statement about transverse wave propagating along a string
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K