Why Use Plane Waves to Solve Maxwell's Equations?

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Plane waves are commonly used to solve Maxwell's equations due to their utility as approximations in practical scenarios. While plane waves are not physically realizable since they require infinite propagation, they simplify analysis in cases where the distance from a source is large enough that wave curvature can be neglected. This makes them particularly useful when examining fields generated by oscillating dipole sources. The approximation allows for easier calculations and understanding of electromagnetic behavior in various contexts. Overall, plane waves serve as a valuable tool in theoretical and applied physics despite their idealized nature.
girlinphysics
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When finding solutions to Maxwells equations we always cosider the case of a plane wave. But are plane waves real/physical solutions we can consider in real life? My guess is not because it is required to propagate infinitely.

So why do we use plane waves to solve Maxwell's equations?
 
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Plane waves are useful approximations for many practical situations. For example, if you are far enough from an oscillating dipole source, and you consider a volume of space that is small enough compared to the distance from the source, the curvature of the waves is small enough that you can ignore it for practical purposes.
 

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