Polarized Electromagnetic Waves

AI Thread Summary
Linear polarization occurs when the electric and magnetic field components of a wave have a phase difference of zero, while elliptical polarization arises from unequal magnitudes of these components. Circular polarization is characterized by equal magnitudes of the field components. When a wave is described as polarized in the x-direction while traveling in the z-direction, it indicates that the electric field is oriented along the x-axis. This understanding is crucial for analyzing the behavior of electromagnetic waves in various applications. The discussion highlights the importance of polarization in defining the orientation of electric fields in wave propagation.
sandy.bridge
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Hey guys.

From my textbook, I understand that linear polarization occurs when the phase between components of an electric field wave (and thereby the magnetic field wave) are zero. Elliptical polarization occurs when the magnitude of the components comprising a field wave is not equal in magnitude. Furthermore, circular polarization occurs when the magnitudes are equal.

My question is this: if we know that a wave is traveling in the z-direction, what is meant if we are told the wave is polarized in x?
 
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It means the electric field points in the x-direction.
 
Thank you so much!
 
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