How can Maxwell's equations be used to derive electromagnetic wave phenomenon?

In summary, Maxwell's equations can be used to derive electromagnetic wave phenomenon by describing the relationship between electric and magnetic fields and how they interact with each other. These equations explain how changes in one field can create the other, resulting in the propagation of electromagnetic waves through space. By understanding and applying these equations, scientists are able to predict and study the behavior of electromagnetic waves, which are essential for modern technologies such as wireless communication and radar systems.
  • #1
Gear300
1,213
9
For an electromagnetic wave, why is the electric field in phase with the magnetic field? As one increases in a given positive direction, so does the other (also in a given positive direction). I was somewhat expecting them to be slightly out of phase for some reason.

If its not too much to ask...can anyone provide a post showing the mathematics for deriving electromagnetic wave phenomenon from Maxwell's equations...sort of looking for them
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
who says they are in phase?
 
  • #3
I see...so they are not necessarily in phase...could you clarify (or provide the math)?
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Last edited:

What are electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves are a type of energy that travels through space in the form of electric and magnetic fields. They are produced by the acceleration of electrically charged particles and can travel through a vacuum.

What are the different types of electromagnetic waves?

There are seven main types of electromagnetic waves, arranged in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength: radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.

How do electromagnetic waves travel?

Electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light, which is approximately 300,000,000 meters per second. They can travel through a vacuum, such as in outer space, and also through various materials, such as air, water, and solids.

What are the uses of electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves have many practical applications in our daily lives. For example, radio waves are used for communication, microwaves are used for cooking, and visible light is used for vision and photography. Electromagnetic waves are also used in medical imaging and various forms of scientific research.

How are electromagnetic waves produced?

Electromagnetic waves are produced when an electrically charged particle, such as an electron, is accelerated. This can occur naturally, such as in lightning strikes, or artificially, such as in electronic devices like radios and televisions.

Similar threads

I "Strange contradiction" that Maxwell found and resolved
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
237
I Simple electromagnetic wave including delay
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
367
A Voltage and current waves in a transmission line
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
937
B Is the Kink in the Electromagnetic Wave Responsible for Delayed Motion?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
8
Views
1K
Maxwell Equations, Lorentz Force and Coulumb Force
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
1K
Electromagnetic waves: Photons generated by two charges attracted to each other?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
3
Views
3K
How can we deduce the kink effect in the electric field?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
5
Views
953
Maxwell's equation in microscopic formulation and speed of EM-waves
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
3
Views
787
Radio waves interaction with other electromagnetic waves
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
8
Views
2K
An Interesting Question on Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
11
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top