Is the Plane Wave a General Solution to the Electromagnetic Wave Equation?

[rayray2216]

Show that the "plane wave" is a general solution to the electromagnetic wave eqatuion

Homework Statement

Show that the "plane wave" E=E^ocos(k.r-$$\omega$$t)
is a general solution of the electromagnetic wave equation. (you must derive this first)

Homework Equations

we were given Maxwell equations in a continuous, homogeneous medium, (no explicit charges or currents) and no other information

The Attempt at a Solution

ive got as far as deriving the wave equation in a continuous homogenous medium, i got this to be:
$$\nabla$$²E= $$\mu$$o$$\mu$$r$$\epsilon$$o$$\epsilon$$r*d²E/dt

 

[rayray2216]

had issues entering the formula but its just the wave equation for the electric field in a continuous homogeneous medium .

 

[diazona]

OK, so what do you know about differential equations and their solutions?