Getting Magnetic Field from Electric Field

In summary, the conversation discusses a formula in Griffiths that relates the electric and magnetic fields, specifically for plane waves. The question is whether this formula can also be applied to spherical waves. The attempt at a solution involves looking at the equivalent of a k vector for a spherical wave and writing out the equations for E and B as functions of position and time. It is also important to ensure that the solution obeys Maxwell's equations and to compare k x E to B.
  • #1
schrodingerscat11
89
1

Homework Statement


Hi! There is a formula in Griffiths that relates the electric field and the magnetic field:
[itex]\mathbf{\tilde{B}}(\mathbf{r},t)=\frac{1}{c}\mathbf{\hat{k}}\times\mathbf{\tilde{E}}[/itex]

Question: Is this formula applicable for plane waves only? Can I use this for spherical waves? Thank you very much.

Homework Equations


See above.

The Attempt at a Solution


I was told this is just for plane waves, but I want to be sure. Thank you! :)
 
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  • #2
I know what the k vector is for a plane wave. And with a little re-reading notes on this stuff I could reproduce the construction that gets you your relation between B, K, and E for a plane wave.

What would be the equivalent of a k vector for a spherical wave? Can you write down the E and B as functions of position and time for a spherical wave? It's going to have to be some kind of function of radius. How can you write something that looks like the k dot E or k dot B in a plane wave but that gives you something that is a function of radius? Hint: It's going to involve the radius vector. Can you demonstrate your solution obeys Maxwell's equations? Does your solution have a k vector? Hint: plane waves have a single axis of travel and so there is a single k vector for all positions and time. That clearly can't be true for a spherical wave.

And, having done all of that, can you then write k x E and compare it to B?
 

1. How do you convert an electric field to a magnetic field?

The conversion of an electric field to a magnetic field is done by using Maxwell's equations, specifically the Ampere-Maxwell law. This law states that a changing electric field creates a magnetic field and vice versa. By using this law and the mathematical relationship between electric and magnetic fields, known as the permeability of free space, one can calculate the magnetic field produced by a given electric field.

2. Can you have a magnetic field without an electric field?

According to Maxwell's equations, it is not possible to have a magnetic field without an accompanying electric field. This is because the two fields are interconnected and one cannot exist without the other. However, in some situations where the electric field is constant or negligible, the magnetic field may appear to be the dominant field.

3. What is the formula for calculating the magnetic field from an electric field?

The formula for calculating the magnetic field from an electric field is B = μ0ε0E, where B is the magnetic field, μ0 is the permeability of free space, ε0 is the permittivity of free space, and E is the electric field. This formula is derived from the Ampere-Maxwell law and the mathematical relationship between electric and magnetic fields.

4. What are some real-world applications of converting electric fields to magnetic fields?

One of the most common applications of converting electric fields to magnetic fields is in the production of electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves and microwaves. This is done by using antennas to convert electric currents into electromagnetic waves. Another application is in the operation of electric motors, where the interaction between electric and magnetic fields produces the motion of the motor.

5. Is the conversion of electric fields to magnetic fields reversible?

Yes, the conversion of electric fields to magnetic fields is reversible. This is because the two fields are interrelated and can be transformed into one another by changing the conditions that produce the fields, such as the direction of the current or the strength of the electric field. This is demonstrated in electromagnetic induction, where a changing magnetic field can induce an electric field and vice versa.

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