Why does Fresnel's law only use 2 boundary conditions compared to Maxwell's 4?

In summary, reflection is when light bounces off a smooth surface, while refraction is when light bends as it passes through a different medium. Mirrors work by reflecting light at the same angle it approaches, creating an image. The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. Refraction can only occur in a medium and affects the speed of light by causing it to slow down and bend as it passes through a denser medium.
  • #1
yavuznuri
9
0
We use only 2 boundary conditions in driving Fresnel's laws, whereas Maxwell's equations provided 4 conditions (2 were identical to other 2). What is the intuitive explanation for this redundancy? which boundary conditions turned out to be equivanlent to each other.
 
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  • #2
For each polarization, one Maxwell equation doesn't enter, and one equation is equivalent to another. Just write the equatons and you will see this.
 
  • #3
dear friend, i thank you a lot..but would you please give me detailed information..

sincerely
 
  • #4
I think you should look at an intermediate EM textbook.
 

1. What is the difference between reflection and refraction?

Reflection is the bouncing back of light when it hits a smooth surface, while refraction is the bending of light when it passes through a different medium.

2. How do mirrors work?

Mirrors work by reflecting light rays that hit its surface at the same angle that they approach. This creates an image of the object in front of the mirror.

3. What is the law of reflection?

The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence (the angle at which light hits a surface) is equal to the angle of reflection (the angle at which light bounces off the surface).

4. Can refraction occur in a vacuum?

No, refraction can only occur when light passes through a different medium, such as air, water, or glass. In a vacuum, there is no medium for the light to pass through, so there is no refraction.

5. How does refraction affect the speed of light?

The speed of light is slower in a denser medium, such as water or glass, due to the interactions with the atoms in the medium. This change in speed causes the light to bend as it passes through the medium, resulting in refraction.

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