Magnetic field of a circular wave

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the electric field vector \(\vec{E}\) and the magnetic field vector \(\vec{H}\) in the context of circular electromagnetic waves. The user presents an equation for \(\vec{E}\) and derives \(\vec{H}\) using the formula \(\vec{H}=\frac{1}{\eta}\hat{k}\times \vec{E}\). However, inconsistencies arise when calculating the Poynting vector \(\vec{S}\), which results in zero, indicating a misunderstanding of wave properties. The conversation concludes that the provided expression does not represent a true wave, emphasizing the importance of time-dependence in wave equations.

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  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave theory
  • Familiarity with vector calculus and cross products
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  • Experience with complex number representations in physics
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Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying electromagnetic theory who seek to deepen their understanding of wave behavior and the mathematical representations of electromagnetic fields.

kediss
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Hi !

Does \vec{H}=\frac{1}{\eta}\hat{k}\times \vec{E} always suit an electromagnetic wave ?

Because I'm getting some inconsistency for a circular wave :confused:

For instance:
\vec{E}=E_0(\hat{e}_x+e^{j\frac{\pi}{2}}\hat{e}_y)e^{-jkz} (propagating \hat{e}_z)
\Rightarrow\vec{H}=\frac{E_0}{\eta}(\hat{e}_y-e^{j\frac{\pi}{2}}\hat{e}_x)e^{-jkz}

The poynting vector results:
\vec{S}=\vec{E}\times\vec{H}=\frac{E^2_0}{\eta}e^{-2jkz}(1+e^{j\pi})\hat{e}_z=\vec{0} which is quite disconcerting :/

Thx a lot for your help !
 
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Your expression is not circular wave. Actually, it is not a wave at all, it is not time-dependent.

However, neglecting prefactors and with fixed orthogonal E and H:
\vec{E} \propto (e_x - e_y)
\vec{H} \propto (e_x + e_y)

=> S_z = E_x H_y - E_y H_x \propto 1-(-1) = 2 \neq 0
 
I think that if you use complex representation, the Poynting vector is calculated as
S=1/2(E x H*) where the star means complex conjugate.
With this definition, the real part of S is the average power density.
 
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