Plane electromagnetic wave and metallic waveguide

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the propagation of plane electromagnetic waves in metallic waveguides, exploring the fundamental principles of wave behavior in confined geometries.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand why plane electromagnetic waves cannot propagate through metallic waveguides, questioning the effectiveness of reflection in such scenarios. Other participants provide insights about the nature of plane waves and their interaction with waveguide boundaries.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of wave behavior in waveguides. Some guidance has been offered regarding the characteristics of plane waves, but no consensus has been reached on the implications for propagation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are also considering related scenarios, such as the interaction of waves with water and the potential absorption effects, which may introduce additional complexities to the discussion.

patjk
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Explain why a plane electromagnetic wave cannot propagate through a metallic waveguide.

I've tried to come up with an answer, but I haven't been able to. I thought metallic waveguides were good since they reflected the propagating wave very well, allowing the wave to move without much loss in power. Am I wrong? Why can't an EM wave propagate through a metallic waveguide?

Many thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The keyword is plane:wink:
 
I understand a plane wave doesn't bounce off the sides of the waveguide. But can't it still propagate down a metallic waveguide, nonetheless?

Cheers!
 
In addition to the question above, what significance would an antenna traveling across water have on the wave? would the water absorb some of the wave instead of reflecting it, causing the signal to weaken?

Cheers!
 

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