Sinosoidal curves representing waves

In summary, electromagnetic waves are represented by sinosoidal curves and the magnitude of the electric and magnetic fields changes sinosoidally. This can be compared to the x- or y- component of a rotating vector in a plane. The fields can become zero and increase again as the wave propagates.
  • #1
Parbat
29
0
we represent electromagnetic waves by sinosoidal curves.
magnitude of what changes sinosoidally?
or what does that represent?
 
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  • #2
Parbat said:
we represent electromagnetic waves by sinosoidal curves.
magnitude of what changes sinosoidally?
or what does that represent?

y component of rotating unit vector in a plane. Edit: Rotating with constant angular speed, of course
 
  • #3
Parbat said:
magnitude of what changes sinosoidally?

The magnitude of the electric field, and the magnitude of the magnetic field. (I assume you refer to a classical electromagnetic wave.)

We sometimes make a mathematical analogy with the x- or y- component of a rotating vector as upisoft noted.
 
  • #4
jtbell said:
The magnitude of the electric field, and the magnitude of the magnetic field. (I assume you refer to a classical electromagnetic wave.)

how can magnetic & electric field become zero & again increase?how does that happen?
 
  • #5


The magnitude of the electric and magnetic fields change sinusoidally in an electromagnetic wave. This is represented by the amplitude of the sine wave, which corresponds to the strength of the electric and magnetic fields at a given point in the wave. Additionally, the wavelength, or distance between peaks of the sine wave, represents the frequency of the wave, which is a measure of how many cycles the wave completes per second. Therefore, the sinusoidal curve represents the varying strength and frequency of the electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave.
 

1. What are sinusoidal curves?

Sinusoidal curves are mathematical representations of waves that follow the shape of a sine or cosine function. They are commonly used to describe various types of waves, such as sound waves and electromagnetic waves.

2. How are sinusoidal curves created?

Sinusoidal curves are created by plotting the values of a sine or cosine function on a graph. The x-axis represents time or distance, while the y-axis represents the amplitude or height of the wave at that point in time or space.

3. What do the different parameters in sinusoidal curves represent?

The amplitude represents the maximum displacement of the wave from its equilibrium position. The frequency represents the number of cycles or oscillations that occur in a given time period. The phase shift represents the horizontal displacement of the wave from its original starting point. The vertical shift represents a constant value added to the entire curve, shifting it up or down.

4. How are sinusoidal curves used in real life?

Sinusoidal curves are used in various fields of science and engineering, such as acoustics, optics, and electronics. They are used to analyze and model different types of waves, such as sound waves, light waves, and radio waves. They are also used in applications like signal processing, communication systems, and medical imaging.

5. What is the relationship between sinusoidal curves and harmonics?

Harmonics are multiples of the fundamental frequency in a sinusoidal curve. They represent the different frequencies present in a complex wave. The shape of a sinusoidal curve is determined by the combination of these harmonics, with the fundamental frequency being the dominant component. In other words, sinusoidal curves are made up of a fundamental frequency and its harmonics.

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