Electromagnetic Wave EquationThe wave equation for a plane electric wave is with the same form applying to the magnetic field wave in a plane perpendicular the electric field. The wave equation for electromagnetic waves arises from Maxwell's equations. The form of a plane wave solution for the electric field is and that for the magnetic field To be consistent with Maxwell's equations, these solutions must be related by
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Energy in Electromagnetic WavesElectromagnetic waves carry energy as they travel through empty space. There is an energy density associated with both the electric and magnetic fields. The rate of energy transport per unit area is described by the vector which is called the Poynting vector. This expression is a vector product, and since the magnetic field is perpendicular to the electric field, the magnitude can be written A condition of the wave solution for a plane wave is so that the average intensity for a plane wave can be written |
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