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

rayray2216
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Show that the "plane wave" is a general solution to the electromagnetic wave eqatuion

Homework Statement



Show that the "plane wave" E=Eocos(k.r-\omegat)
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:
\nabla2E= \muo\mur\epsilono\epsilonr*d2E/dt
 
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had issues entering the formula but its just the wave equation for the electric field in a continuous homogeneous medium .
 


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