Electromagnetic wave reflects off a surface at a 90 degree angle. Standing wave?

In summary, electromagnetic waves can interfere and form standing waves under certain conditions, such as when they are reflected at a 90 degree angle and continue moving along the same path. This phenomenon is observed in the double slit interference pattern and is utilized in various applications such as antireflection coatings and optical filters. A standing wave of electromagnetic waves can also be created in a laser cavity. In the case of normal incidence angle with a boundary, there would be a standing wave due to Fresnel reflection and refraction.
  • #1
MarekS
34
0
What happens when an electromagnetic wave reflects of a surface at an 90 degree angle and continues moving along the same path as it came from?

Will the two waves that are moving in opposite direction interfer with each other to from a standing wave pattern?

This seems to be the case when you tie one end of a string to something and then move the other end to form a wave like pattern. After having reflected the 2 waves create a standing wave.

I doubt this happens with electromagnetic waves, but I have no to way to test it. Can electromagnetic waves form standing waves under any conditions?

Thank you.
 
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  • #2
Electromagnetic waves do interfere. This is the reason the double slit interference pattern occurs on a screen when the two coherent sources are focused. Also, this interference principle is used to produce antireflection and high reflecting coatings, and narrow bandpass optical filters (the optical fiber system this information was transmitted on and received by you is in part due to optical filters). Yes, an electromagnetic wave can be a standing wave, for example, in a laser cavity.
 
  • #3
Do you mean to say, a EM (plane wave) at normal incidient angle with a boundary ?

Yes. There would be standing wave as explain by Fresnel reflection and refraction.
 

FAQ: Electromagnetic wave reflects off a surface at a 90 degree angle. Standing wave?

1. What is an electromagnetic wave?

An electromagnetic wave is a type of wave that is created by the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields. It includes a wide range of frequencies, from radio waves to gamma rays, and can travel through a vacuum or through various materials.

2. How does an electromagnetic wave reflect off a surface at a 90 degree angle?

When an electromagnetic wave encounters a surface, it can either be absorbed, transmitted, or reflected. In the case of reflection, the wave bounces off the surface at the same angle that it hits the surface. This means that if the wave hits the surface at a 90 degree angle, it will reflect off at a 90 degree angle as well.

3. What is a standing wave?

A standing wave is a pattern created when two waves of the same frequency and amplitude traveling in opposite directions interfere with each other. This results in certain points along the wave that appear to be stationary, while other points continue to oscillate. This creates a distinct pattern that does not move, hence the term "standing" wave.

4. How do electromagnetic waves create standing waves?

Electromagnetic waves can create standing waves when they reflect off a surface at a 90 degree angle. This means that the wave will continuously bounce back and forth between the two surfaces, resulting in interference and the formation of a standing wave.

5. What are some practical applications of standing waves?

Standing waves have many practical applications in various fields. Some examples include musical instruments, where standing waves are responsible for producing specific notes and tones, and microwave ovens, where standing waves are used to heat food. Standing waves can also be used in medical imaging, such as in ultrasound technology, to create images of internal organs.

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