Relationship between electric field components: ellipse

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between electric field components represented by the equation E=Ex*ex+Ey*ey, where Ex=cos(kx-wt) and Ey=cos(kx-wt+e). Participants attempted to demonstrate that Ex^2 + Ey^2 - 2*Ex*Ey*cos(e) equals (sin(e))^2. However, one contributor concluded that the equation is invalid due to mismatched units on both sides, indicating a fundamental error in the formulation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric field components and vector notation
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities and relationships
  • Knowledge of phase difference in wave mechanics
  • Basic principles of dimensional analysis in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Review trigonometric identities relevant to wave functions
  • Study dimensional analysis techniques in physics
  • Explore the implications of phase differences in wave interference
  • Investigate vector representation of electric fields in electromagnetism
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism and wave mechanics, as well as anyone involved in solving problems related to electric field components and their mathematical relationships.

boddhisattva
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Homework Statement


Given an electric field:

E=Ex*ex+Ey*ey

with

Ex=cos(kx-wt)
Ey=cos(kx-wt+e)

where e is the phase difference

Show that

Ex^2 + Ey^2 - 2*Ex*Ey*cos(e) = ( sin(e) )^2


Homework Equations



Ex=cos(kx-wt)
Ey=cos(kx-wt+e)

The Attempt at a Solution



Was unable to find a solution with trigonometric relations
 
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That equation can't possibly be true. The units on the two sides don't match.
 

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