Electromagnetic wave complex wave function

AI Thread Summary
To verify the complex wave function of an electromagnetic wave, one can substitute the function into the wave equation. The equation in question is ∇²E = (1/c²)(∂²E/∂t²). The suggestion to plug the complex wave function into the wave equation is a straightforward approach to check for equality. The initial poster expresses confusion but appreciates the guidance. This method is essential for confirming the validity of the wave function.
melodyyyylwy
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Hello!
I am not quite sure how do i verify the complex wave function of EM wave

\vec{E}(x,y,z,t)= \vec{E}0ei(kz-\omegat+\delta)

is a function of the wave equation

\nabla2\vec{E}=\frac{1}{c^2}\frac{∂^2E}{∂t^2}
 
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Have you tried simply plugging it in and seeing if the two sides are equal?
 
Matterwave said:
Have you tried simply plugging it in and seeing if the two sides are equal?

oops my brain must have stopped working... Thanks a lot anyway :)
 
It may be shown from the equations of electromagnetism, by James Clerk Maxwell in the 1860’s, that the speed of light in the vacuum of free space is related to electric permittivity (ϵ) and magnetic permeability (μ) by the equation: c=1/√( μ ϵ ) . This value is a constant for the vacuum of free space and is independent of the motion of the observer. It was this fact, in part, that led Albert Einstein to Special Relativity.
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