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

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between the electric and magnetic fields in electromagnetic waves, specifically addressing why they are in phase. Participants express confusion about the phase relationship, with some expecting the fields to be out of phase. Requests for mathematical derivations from Maxwell's equations are made to clarify this phenomenon. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the mathematical foundation behind electromagnetic wave behavior. Overall, the need for clear mathematical explanations of Maxwell's equations in relation to wave phenomena is emphasized.
Gear300
Messages
1,209
Reaction score
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
who says they are in phase?
 
I see...so they are not necessarily in phase...could you clarify (or provide the math)?
 
Last edited:
Last edited:
Thread 'Motional EMF in Faraday disc, co-rotating magnet axial mean flux'

Thread 'Motional EMF in Faraday disc, co-rotating magnet axial mean flux'

So here is the motional EMF formula. Now I understand the standard Faraday paradox that an axis symmetric field source (like a speaker motor ring magnet) has a magnetic field that is frame invariant under rotation around axis of symmetry. The field is static whether you rotate the magnet or not. So far so good. What puzzles me is this , there is a term average magnetic flux or "azimuthal mean" , this term describes the average magnetic field through the area swept by the rotating Faraday...
View full post »

Thread 'Why measure the speed of light in one direction?'

It may be shown from the equations of electromagnetism, by James Clerk Maxwell in the 1860’s, that the speed of light in the vacuum of free space is related to electric permittivity (ϵ) and magnetic permeability (μ) by the equation: c=1/√( μ ϵ ) . This value is a constant for the vacuum of free space and is independent of the motion of the observer. It was this fact, in part, that led Albert Einstein to Special Relativity.
View full post »

Similar threads

I "Strange contradiction" that Maxwell found and resolved
Replies
7
Views
1K
I Simple electromagnetic wave including delay
Replies
2
Views
1K
I Help understanding Maxwell's Equations please
Replies
11
Views
2K
A Voltage and current waves in a transmission line
Replies
4
Views
3K
B Is the Kink in the Electromagnetic Wave Responsible for Delayed Motion?
Replies
8
Views
2K
Electromagnetic waves: Photons generated by two charges attracted to each other?
Replies
3
Views
4K
Maxwell Equations, Lorentz Force and Coulumb Force
Replies
2
Views
2K
How can we deduce the kink effect in the electric field?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Electromagnetic wave equation - phase and amplitude
Replies
7
Views
4K
Electromagnetic waves/radiation properties?
Replies
8
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top