Electric & Magnetic Fields Out of Phase: Why?

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SUMMARY

Electromagnetic waves can exhibit electric and magnetic fields that are not in phase, depending on the medium of propagation. In free space or ideal lossless dielectrics, the fields remain in phase. However, in real dielectrics with loss, the fields can become out of phase, and in good conductors, they are typically 45 degrees out of phase. Analytical solutions for this phenomenon can be found in resources such as Chapter 2 of the referenced textbook.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave propagation
  • Familiarity with dielectric materials and their properties
  • Knowledge of phase relationships in wave mechanics
  • Basic calculus for analytical solutions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of lossless dielectrics in electromagnetic theory
  • Research the phase relationship of electric and magnetic fields in conductors
  • Explore analytical solutions in electromagnetic wave propagation
  • Review Chapter 2 of the referenced textbook for detailed explanations
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in electrical engineering, physicists studying wave mechanics, and anyone interested in the behavior of electromagnetic fields in various materials.

Shailesh Pincha
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Why can't we have an Electromagnetic wave in which the Electric Field and Magentic Field aren't in phase?
 
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You can - it depends on the medium in which the wave is propagating. In free space or an idealized loss-less dielectric they are in phase. Once you add a little loss in the dielectric (as all real dielectrics have) then the fields are no longer exactly in phase. In a good conductor the electric and magnetic fields are 45 degrees out of phase.

jason
 
In a good conductor the electric and magnetic fields are 45 degrees out of phase.

jason
Is the 45 degrees for a wave propagating inside the conductor? Thank you.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Is the 45 degrees for a wave propagating inside the conductor? Thank you.
Yes.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Is there an analytical solution to show that E and M fields in a perfect conductor are out of phase by 45 degrees? (I can handle the calculus.)
 

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