In: Physics
Consider a harmonic electromagnetic plane wave with angular
frequency ω and propagation vector k=(kx,ky,kz) (i.e., propagating
in an arbitrary direction). The electric field vector is
E=(Ex,Ey,Ez) with amplitudes (Exo,Eyo,Ezo) and the magnetic field
vector is B=(Bx,By,Bz) with amplitudes (Bxo,Byo,Bzo).
a) Write an expression for the electric and magnetic waves using
complex representation.
b) Using the laws of electromagnetism without sources (Maxwell’s
equations in free space), prove that k × E = ωB, and k · E =
0
c) What does part b) tell you about the relative directions of k, E
and B?