Plane EM wave in a vacuum, quick identity question

In summary, the conversation discusses verifying the equation kXE=wB, given a plane electromagnetic wave in a vacuum. The method of using Maxwell's equation is agreed upon, and the question is asked about identifying a specific equation. The process of deducing this equation is discussed, with emphasis on using the determinant form and comparing it to the cross product. The concept of "required" is clarified, and the main goal is to confirm that the given expressions for E and B satisfy Faraday's law.
  • #1
binbagsss
1,277
11
Okay the question is, given a plane electromagnetic wave in a vacuum given by E=(Ex,Ey,Ez)exp[itex]^{(i(k_{x}x+k_{y}y+k_{z}z-wt)}[/itex] and B=(Bx,By,Bz)exp[itex]^{(i(k_{x}x+k_{y}y+k_{z}z-wt)}[/itex] ,
where k = (kx,ky,kz),
to show that kXE=wB.

So I'm mainly fine with the method. I can see the maxwell's equaion ∇XE=-dB/dt, is the equation required.
-dB/dt=iwB.
And using ∇XE=ikXE, [1], the result follows.
My question is identifying equation [1]. How do you deduce this? Is it supposed to be obvious in any way. (I've done a check on the LHS and RHS so I can see its true), but should this be obvious?

Thanks in advance for your assistance .
 
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  • #2
Deduce, deduce? How would you write out ∇xE if ∇= ##( {d\over dx}, {d\over dy}, {d\over dz}) ## and ##\vec E = \Bigl( E_x \exp ({i(k_{x}x+k_{y}y+k_{z}z-wt)}) , E_y \exp(i(k_{x}x+k_{y}y+k_{z}z-wt)) , E_y \exp(i(k_{x}x+k_{y}y+k_{z}z-wt))\Bigr)## where ##\vec E =(E_x, E_y, E_z)## is a constant vector.
You don't even have to carry out the cross product. Only the diferentiation.
 
  • #3
I'm not seeing it to be honest. I'm writing out ∇xE in determinant form.
 
  • #4
Determinant form has $$\left \vert \matrix{\hat \imath&\hat \jmath&\hat k\cr {d\over dx}&{d\over dy}&{d\over dz}\cr E_x &E_y &E_z }\right \vert $$ if I remember well.
Write out e.g the x component and compare with the x-component of ##\vec k\times\vec E##, etc.
 
  • #5
In the bottom line of my first post - I've done this. But it's still not obvious to me until I do this?
 
  • #6
Ah, I see. You did it, you see it's correct by inspection, but apparently you need something more to be really convinced ?

I can see the maxwell's equation ∇XE=-dB/dt, is the equation required.
Looks to me as if you are interpreting "required" somewhat unusual.

My interpretation of the exercise is more like: here we have an expression for ##\vec E(\vec x,t)## and ##\vec B(\vec x,t)## that we propose as a solution for Faraday's law (i.e. one of the Maxwell equations). And you are asked to make a few steps towards confirming it satisfies this equation -- under certain conditions for (Ex,Ey,Ez), (Bx,By,Bz), ##\vec k## and ##\omega##.
 

FAQ: Plane EM wave in a vacuum, quick identity question

What is a plane electromagnetic wave in a vacuum?

A plane electromagnetic wave in a vacuum is a type of wave that consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields, and propagates through empty space without the need for a medium. It is characterized by its frequency, wavelength, and amplitude.

What is the speed of a plane electromagnetic wave in a vacuum?

The speed of a plane electromagnetic wave in a vacuum is commonly denoted by the symbol c and is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second. This speed is a fundamental constant in physics and is the maximum speed at which all matter and information in the universe can travel.

How does the electric and magnetic field of a plane electromagnetic wave behave?

The electric and magnetic fields of a plane electromagnetic wave are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation. They also oscillate in phase, meaning that when one field is at its maximum, the other field is also at its maximum.

What is the relationship between the frequency and wavelength of a plane electromagnetic wave?

The frequency and wavelength of a plane electromagnetic wave are inversely proportional to each other. This means that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases, and vice versa.

What is the importance of plane electromagnetic waves in technology and everyday life?

Plane electromagnetic waves have countless applications in technology and everyday life. They are used in communication systems, such as radio, television, and cellular networks. They are also essential in medical imaging, remote sensing, and many other fields of science and engineering.

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