Question

Explain the difference between TE (trasnverse electric), TM (transverse magnetic), and TEM (transverse electric and magnetic) waves.

Answer 1

TE (transverse electric), TM (transverse magnetic), and TEM (transverse electric and magnetic) are modes of an electromagnetic waves which occurs due to the boundary conditions imposed on a wave by a waveguide. They refer to the field pattern in the plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the electromagnetic wave.

TEM waves are unguided waves which donot have electric and magnetic field vibrations in the direction of propagation. Ex, electromagnetic waves propagating through non dispersive media like, coaxial cable.

TE waves are the waves which donot have electric field vibrations in the direction of propagation. They possess magnetic field vibrations along the direction of propagation. They are also termed as H-waves. In H - waves, the electric field vibrations are exactly perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the waves. Ex.,electromagnetic waves propagating through hollow transmision lines like, metallic waveguide.

TM waves are the waves which donot have magnetic field vibrations in the direction of propagation. They possess electric field vibrations along the direction of propagation. They are also termed as E-waves. In E - waves, the magnetic field vibrations are exactly perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the waves. Ex., electromagnetic waves propagating through through hollow transmision lines like, metallic waveguide.

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