What'a difference between TEM wave and plane wave?

In summary, the conversation discusses the differences between TEM waves and plane waves. The person asks for an explanation on why they are declared differently and why the Helmholtz equation is only declared for plane waves. The expert is not familiar with any differences and provides a link to a Wikipedia page that suggests they are the same. The person is then asked to provide a reference for the Helmholtz equation making a distinction between the two.
  • #1
baby_1
159
15
Hello
what'a difference between tem wave and plane wave?
I think in tem is the same as plane wave but it's electromagnetic amplitude decrease ,is it right?if yes how does amplitude decrease?
 
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  • #2
baby_1 said:
Hello
what'a difference between tem wave and plane wave?
I think in tem is the same as plane wave but it's electromagnetic amplitude decrease ,is it right?if yes how does amplitude decrease?

What makes you think they are different? What definitions have you found in your reading?
 
  • #3
Hello
Thank you for your response
because of different reasons:
1)if they are the same why we use different definition
2)when we want to derive helmholtz equation we declare it for Plane wave not TEM
3)if they are the same why we tell them in some transmission line(such as coaxial) TEM not plane wave

any help would greatly appreciate
 
  • #4
baby_1 said:
Hello
Thank you for your response
because of different reasons:
1)if they are the same why we use different definition
2)when we want to derive helmholtz equation we declare it for Plane wave not TEM
3)if they are the same why we tell them in some transmission line(such as coaxial) TEM not plane wave

any help would greatly appreciate

I'm not familiar with any differences. This entry at wikipedia implies they are the same: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_impedance

Can you post a link to the Helmholtz equation reference that seems to make a distinction?
 

Related to What'a difference between TEM wave and plane wave?

1. What is the difference between a TEM wave and a plane wave?

A TEM (transverse electromagnetic) wave is a type of electromagnetic wave where both the electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to the direction of propagation. This type of wave does not have a varying electric or magnetic field in the direction of propagation. On the other hand, a plane wave is a type of electromagnetic wave where the electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other, but both are parallel to the direction of propagation. This means that the electric and magnetic fields are constant along the wavefront of a plane wave.

2. Which type of wave is more commonly used in communication systems?

Plane waves are more commonly used in communication systems because they can travel long distances without significant attenuation. TEM waves, on the other hand, are typically confined to transmission lines and do not propagate through free space as easily.

3. Can a TEM wave be converted into a plane wave?

No, a TEM wave cannot be converted into a plane wave. This is because a TEM wave does not have a varying electric or magnetic field in the direction of propagation, which is a defining characteristic of a plane wave.

4. In what scenarios would a TEM wave be preferred over a plane wave?

TEM waves are preferred in scenarios where the signal needs to be confined to a transmission line, such as in high-speed digital communication systems. They are also commonly used in microwave circuits and devices.

5. How are TEM waves and plane waves related to each other?

TEM waves and plane waves are both types of electromagnetic waves. However, they have different characteristics in terms of the direction and behavior of their electric and magnetic fields. While TEM waves are confined to transmission lines, plane waves can propagate through free space. Both types of waves are important in the field of electromagnetics and have various applications in different systems and technologies.

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