Finding Magnetic Field from Electric Field: A Classical Physics Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the magnetic field associated with a given electric field in classical physics. The electric field is defined as E(z, t) = E₀ sin(wt) sin(kz)−x. The user proposes using the curl of the electric field, ∇ × E = -∂B/∂t, to find the magnetic field, resulting in B(z, t) = (k/w)E₀ cos(kz) cos(wt)−y. The conclusion confirms that the electric field represents a standing wave, which does not have a defined propagation vector.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maxwell's equations, specifically the relationship between electric and magnetic fields.
  • Familiarity with vector calculus, particularly the curl operator (∇ ×).
  • Knowledge of wave mechanics, including the concepts of standing waves and propagation vectors.
  • Basic understanding of sinusoidal functions and their role in wave equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Maxwell's equations in detail to understand the interrelation of electric and magnetic fields.
  • Learn about the mathematical implications of curl and divergence in vector calculus.
  • Explore the properties of standing waves and their applications in physics.
  • Investigate the implications of wave propagation in different media and their mathematical descriptions.
USEFUL FOR

Students of classical physics, educators teaching electromagnetism, and anyone interested in the mathematical relationships between electric and magnetic fields in wave phenomena.

OhNoYaDidn't
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Hey guys, i just came across this on my classical physics course.
So, I'm given that: E(z, t) = {E_{0}}sin(wt)sin(kz)\widehat{x}, and I'm supposed to find an expression for the associated magnetic field B.

Usually, i just find the propagation direction, and do it's cross product with the direction of E, and then write it as \overrightarrow{B}(r,t)=\frac{1}{c}\widehat{k}\times \overrightarrow{E}but in this case, it doesn't seem to be as straightforward.

I thought of using \triangledown \times \overrightarrow{E} = -\frac{\partial \overrightarrow{B}}{\partial t}, finding the curl of E, and then integrate with respect to time, this would give me:

B(z, t) = \frac{k}{w}{E_{0}}cos(kz)cos(wt)\widehat{y}

Is this right?
Thank you.
 
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Yes seems right to me. It is just that the equation that is given for E, represents a standing wave, so the propagation vector cannot be defined (standing waves do not propagate).
 
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