Angle between electric and magnetic field

In summary, the conversation is about a question in EMT where the asker is stuck at finding the cosine of the angle between electric field E' and magnetic field B' in another frame. The question provides equations for E and B in terms of a wave propagation vector and mentions that E and B are parallel. The asker is confused about how E and B can be parallel since they are always at 90 degrees to each other and the direction of propagation. However, the answerer points out that if the field is not an EM wave, there is no reason why E and B cannot be parallel. The asker confirms that the wording of the problem is correct.
  • #1
Jigyasa
18
0
1. Homework Statement
Hi. This is my first question on PF so please forgive me if something's not right

So I'm stuck at this question in EMT
In frame1, E and B are parallel and related by E=cB. We are required to find the cosine of the angle between electric field E' and magnetic field B' in another frame (The answer is to be in terms of B and B')

2. Homework Equations
We know that if E = Eo*e^(ik.r-wt) along n vector
then B = Bo*e^(ik.r-wt) along (n X k), where k is the wave propagation vector.and Bo = Eo/c

3. The Attempt at a Solution
Well I'm stuck at the first line itself. How can E and B be parallel? They're both always at 90 deg to each other as well as to the direction of propagation of the wave (as shown by the directions in the above two equations), isn't it?
 
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  • #2
Is this the exact wording of the problem? It mentions nothing about a wave. Please always reproduce the problem statement exactly as given.
 
  • #3
Orodruin said:
Is this the exact wording of the problem? It mentions nothing about a wave. Please always reproduce the problem statement exactly as given.

I am afraid this is the exact wording of the problem.
 
  • #4
If that is the case then your field is not an EM wave and there is no reason why the E and B field cannot be parallel.
 

FAQ: Angle between electric and magnetic field

What is the angle between the electric and magnetic fields?

The angle between the electric and magnetic fields is known as the Poynting vector and is denoted by the symbol θ. This angle is the angle between the direction of the electric field and the direction of the magnetic field at a particular point in space.

How is the angle between the electric and magnetic fields related to electromagnetic waves?

The angle between the electric and magnetic fields is an important factor in determining the polarization of an electromagnetic wave. The polarization of an electromagnetic wave is perpendicular to the direction of propagation and is determined by the angle between the electric and magnetic fields.

What is the significance of the angle between the electric and magnetic fields?

The angle between the electric and magnetic fields is important in understanding the behavior of electromagnetic waves. It helps in determining the direction and polarization of the waves, which is essential in various applications, such as wireless communication and medical imaging.

Can the angle between the electric and magnetic fields be changed?

The angle between the electric and magnetic fields can be changed by altering the properties of the medium through which the electromagnetic wave is passing. For example, the angle can be changed by using polarizing filters or by changing the refractive index of the medium.

How is the angle between the electric and magnetic fields measured?

The angle between the electric and magnetic fields can be measured using specialized instruments such as polarimeters or by using mathematical calculations based on the properties of the medium. This angle is an important parameter in electromagnetic wave analysis and is often used in experimental setups to study the behavior of these waves.

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