Why electromagnetic waves aren't affected by electric or magnetic fields

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
Sign up Log in
1 reply · 2K views
Denton
Messages
120
Reaction score
0
Why is it that electromagnetic waves, made up of constantly changing electric and magnetic fields are neither affected by electric or magnetic fields?...
 
Physics news on Phys.org

Discussion

It's because Maxwell's equations are linear in the fields [itex]\vec E[/itex] and [itex]\vec B[/itex]. They contain no terms involving products of the fields or their derivatives.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Why electromagnetic waves do not stand still?

  • Yubal M
  • · Replies 35 ·
  • Electromagnetism
2
Replies
35

Undergrad How do electric and magnetic fields travel perpendicular in electromagnetic waves?

  • PhysicsMan68
  • · Replies 11 ·
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
11

High School Why Electromagnetic Waves are Transverse

  • phabos
  • · Replies 2 ·
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
2

Undergrad Why must electric and magnetic fields be in phase in an electromagnetic wave?

  • Shailesh Pincha
  • · Replies 5 ·
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
5

Undergrad Can Electromagnetic Waves be Deflected by Electric or Magnetic Fields?

  • Ishita16
  • · Replies 4 ·
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
4

Undergrad Why are electric and magnetic fields in EM waves in phase?

  • Samujawal
  • · Replies 4 ·
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
4

Undergrad Electric and magnetic fields VS electromagnetic waves

  • LightFantastic
  • · Replies 19 ·
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
19

Undergrad Do Electric and Magnetic Fields Affect Electromagnetic Waves?

  • faiz4000
  • · Replies 9 ·
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
9

Undergrad Electric and magnetic fields of an electromagnetic wave

  • bdkeenan00
  • · Replies 12 ·
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
12

Undergrad How come sub-atomic particles aren't affected by the vacuum around them

  • Nasevic
  • · Replies 1 ·
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1