Visualizing EM Waves: Learn Basics in 9 Days

  • Thread starter Thread starter ElijahRockers
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Em Em waves Waves
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the challenge of visualizing electromagnetic waves and understanding their energy propagation. The user is comfortable with the relevant equations but struggles with conceptual clarity, particularly due to inadequate teaching materials. They seek simplified resources, such as videos or PDFs, that explain electromagnetic waves in layman's terms. The urgency is emphasized by an upcoming test in nine days. Suggestions for accessible learning materials would greatly aid in grasping these fundamental concepts.
ElijahRockers
Gold Member
Messages
260
Reaction score
10
Perhaps this is going in the wrong forum, but the Math and Science Learning Materials forum would not let me create a new topic.

I am not necessarily worrying about a specific question; in fact I am able to use the equations and formulas relevant to electromagnetic waves in my physics course quite fluently, especially considering that I'm not quite sure I even understand what/how they are.

I am having trouble 'visualizing' an electromagnetic wave, particularly the propagation of energy, and what kind of voodoo is really going on there... I have looked through my teacher's notes. They aren't the most comprehensible of notes. I scoured the Learning materials forums as well, and for all my searching I could not find a decent, dumbed down video or PDF to explain, in laymen terms, what an electromagnetic wave is.

If anyone has any suggestions of how I could clarify this material so that when test time comes (in 9 days), I have an understanding of the most basic concepts, it would be greatly appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Ok, I think I get it.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...

Similar threads

Back
Top