## Homework Equations

For a plane polarized electromagnetic wave traveling along the z axis, with its E vector parallel to the x axis and its H vector parallel to the y axis, Faraday's law

$$\nabla\times \textbf{E}=-\frac{\partial \textbf{B}}{\partial t}$$

gives that

$$\frac{E}{H}=\frac{\omega\mu}{k}$$, where E and H are the moduli of E and H.

ETA: It is assumed that $$\textbf{H}=\textbf{B}/\mu$$

My problem is with an em-wave traveling in the x-z plane (were E and k have both x and z components). Apparently, I'm supposed to get the same ratio between E and H as above.

## The Attempt at a Solution

$$\begin{vmatrix} \textbf{i} & \textbf{j} & \textbf{k}\\ ik_x & 0 & ik_z\\ E_x & 0 & E_z \end{vmatrix}=i\omega\mu H\textbf{j} \Longrightarrow \textbf{H}=\frac{1}{\omega\mu}(k_zE_x-k_xE_z)\exp i(k_xx+k_zz-\omega t)\textbf{j}$$

Taking the modulus of H doesn't yield the correct answer, so I'm out of clues.

Last edited:

tiny-tim
Homework Helper
Hi _Andreas!

That'll only work if k and E are perpendicular

Hi _Andreas!

That'll only work if k and E are perpendicular

Hi!

But they are. Take a look at the picture I drew.

BTW, the $$k$$ in the last expression above (that for H) shouldn't be there.

Last edited by a moderator:
tiny-tim
Homework Helper
Hi!

But they are. Take a look at the picture I drew.

(wot picture? )

Exactly … so if k is perpendicular to E, then |k x E| = |k| |E|

Where'd my picture go?

Exactly … so if k is perpendicular to E, then |k x E| = |k| |E|

Ooops! I deserve a facepalm.

Thanks.