Question on wave equation of plane wave.

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SUMMARY

The wave equation for a plane wave traveling in the positive z direction in a charge-free medium is defined as \(\frac{\partial^2 \widetilde{E}}{\partial z^2} - \gamma^2 \widetilde{E} = 0\), where \(\gamma^2 = -k_c^2\) and \(k_c = \omega \sqrt{\mu \epsilon_c}\). The expression for the electric field \(\widetilde{E}\) includes both incident and reflected waves, represented as \(\widetilde{E} = E_0^+ e^{-\gamma z} + E_0^- e^{\gamma z}\). A critical observation is that the reflected wave's amplitude appears to grow as it travels in the negative z direction, which contradicts the expected decay. The confusion arises from the interpretation of the exponential terms as z approaches negative values, leading to a realization that the decay rate is indeed valid.

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yungman
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For plane wave travel in +ve z direction in a charge free medium, the wave equation is:

\frac{\partial^2 \widetilde{E}}{\partial z^2} -\gamma^2 \widetilde E = 0

Where \gamma^2 = - k_c^2 ,\;\; k_c= \omega \sqrt {\mu \epsilon_c} \hbox { and } \epsilon_c = \epsilon_0 \epsilon_r -j\frac{\sigma}{\omega} .


\widetilde E = E_0^+ e^{-\gamma z} \;+\; E_0^- e^{\gamma z} \;=\; E_0^+ e^{-\alpha z}e^{-j \beta z} \;+\; E_0^- e^{\alpha z}e^{j \beta z}

Notice the second term is the reflected wave AND is growing in magnitude as it move in -ve z direction! That cannot be true. It should still decay at rate of e^{-\alpha z }.

What am I missing?
 
Last edited:
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erm as we move towards -ve z direction z gets smaller and smaller hence e^{az} gets smaller too for a>0.
 
Why didn't I think of that!

Thanks
 
Happens to me too, when i focus my mind on something i miss some relatively simple things.
 

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