The magnetic phase change of an electromagnetic wave during reflection

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the magnetic phase change of an electromagnetic wave during reflection, specifically addressing the relationship between the electric field components ##E_\bot## and ##E_{\parallel}## and their impact on the magnetic field ##\overrightarrow{B}##. The equation ##\overrightarrow{B}=\dfrac{1}{v}\widehat{k}\times \overrightarrow{E}## is highlighted as essential for determining the direction of the magnetic field, but it is noted that knowing only ##E_\bot## is insufficient for a complete understanding. The conversation suggests that both components of the electric field must be considered to accurately analyze the magnetic field's behavior. A relevant document is provided for further reading.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave theory
  • Familiarity with vector calculus
  • Knowledge of electric field components, specifically ##E_\bot## and ##E_{\parallel}##
  • Basic principles of wave reflection and refraction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the electromagnetic wave equations
  • Learn about the implications of the Poynting vector in wave reflection
  • Explore the concept of phase changes in electromagnetic waves during reflection
  • Review the attached document on refraction for deeper insights
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying electromagnetic theory who seek to deepen their understanding of wave behavior during reflection and refraction.

Dom Tesilbirth
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Homework Statement
An electromagnetic wave is incident on a water-air interface. The phase of the perpendicular component of the electric field, ##E_\bot##, of the reflected wave into the water is found to remain the same for all angles of incidence. By what angle does the phase of the magnetic field H change?
Relevant Equations
$$\overrightarrow{B}=\dfrac{1}{v}\widehat{k}\times \overrightarrow{E}$$
If the question had mentioned ##\overrightarrow{E}## instead of ##E_\bot##, then we could have used ##\overrightarrow{B}=\dfrac{1}{v}\widehat{k}\times \overrightarrow{E}## to get the direction of the magnetic field. But the question had only mentioned ##E_\bot##. To my understanding, knowing ##E_\bot## is not enough. Because, according to ##\overrightarrow{B}=\dfrac{1}{v}\widehat{k}\times \overrightarrow{E}=\dfrac{1}{v}\widehat{k}\times \left( \overrightarrow{E}_{\parallel}+\overrightarrow{E}_{\bot}\right)##, the change in ##\overrightarrow{B}## also depends on the change in ##\overrightarrow{E_\parallel}##.Is there any other way to solve this problem?
 
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