What Determines the Electric Field at Points Along an EM Wave?

[Revvi]

Homework Statement

There is an EM wave (http://www.geo.mtu.edu/rs/back/spectrum/) that has theoretical points all along the thick line that runs along both the electric/magnetic waves. What could you say about the electric field at these points?

Homework Equations

None

The Attempt at a Solution

My possible choices are that the E. fields are zero, have a constant value, or are proportional to the length of the B field arrows. I think the E fields will be 0 but I'm unsure why that would be the case.

 

[anathema]

Can anyone offer any insight or explanation?

Hello there! I can offer some insight into this question. The electric field at these points can vary depending on the specific wavelength and frequency of the EM wave. Generally, the electric field is perpendicular to the magnetic field and they both oscillate in the same direction as the wave propagates.

At the theoretical points along the thick line, the electric field can have different values. It can be zero if the wave is at a node (point of zero amplitude) or it can have a constant value if the wave is at an anti-node (point of maximum amplitude). In other cases, the electric field can be proportional to the length of the magnetic field arrows, as you mentioned. This is known as the Poynting vector, which represents the direction and magnitude of the energy flow in an EM wave.

In summary, the electric field at these points can vary depending on the specific characteristics of the EM wave. I hope this helps clarify things for you! Let me know if you have any further questions.