Sinosoidal curves representing waves

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Electromagnetic waves are represented by sinusoidal curves, specifically reflecting the changing magnitudes of the electric and magnetic fields. The discussion highlights that these fields can oscillate between zero and their maximum values, illustrating their dynamic nature. This behavior is analogous to the components of a rotating vector in a plane, which also change sinusoidally with constant angular speed. The conversation seeks to clarify the underlying principles of how these magnitudes fluctuate. Understanding these concepts is crucial for grasping the behavior of classical electromagnetic waves.
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we represent electromagnetic waves by sinosoidal curves.
magnitude of what changes sinosoidally?
or what does that represent?
 
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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
 
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.
 
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?
 
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