Electricity and Optics - PHYS 241

30
Outline

30-2 Maxwell’s Equations

30-3 Wave Equations

30-4 Electromagnetic Radiations

 CHAPTER 30 30-2: Maxwell’s Equations
 Maxwell’s equations relate the electric and magnetic field vectors 𝑬 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩 and their sources in free space.
 An oscillating electric field produces a variable magnetic field. A changing magnetic field produces an electric
field….and so on.
 These equations summarize the experimental laws of electricity and magnetism: the laws of Coulomb, Gauss,
Biot–Savart, Ampère, and Faraday.
CHAPTER 30 30-2: Maxwell’s Equations

Which of the following statements contradicts one of Maxwell's

equations?

A. A changing magnetic field produces an electric field.

B. The net magnetic flux through a closed surface depends
on the current inside.
C. A changing electric field produces a magnetic field.
D. The net electric flux through a closed surface depends on
the charge inside.
E. None of these statements contradict any of Maxwell's
equations.
CHAPTER 30 30-2: Maxwell’s Equations

Which of the following statements is false?

A. Isolated electric charges exist.

B. Electric field lines diverge from positive charges
and converge on negative charges.
C. The flux of the magnetic field vector is zero
through any closed surface.
D. Isolated magnetic poles exist.
E. Changing electric fields induce changing
magnetic fields.
 CHAPTER 30 30-3: Wave Equations
 Maxwell’s equations imply that 𝑬 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩 obey wave equations (Partial Differential equations).
 𝑬 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩 are plane waves and they are functions of time and one space coordinate x (direction of propagation
of the wave).

Where 𝑐 is the speed of the wave in vacuum:

1
𝑐= = 3 × 108 𝑚/𝑠
𝜀0𝜇0
 CHAPTER 30 30-4: Electromagnetic Radiations
 Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves.
 The electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the direction of
propagation of the wave.
 The electric and magnetic fields are in phase and, at each point in space and at each instant in time.
 𝑬 = 𝒄𝑩
Where 𝑐 is the speed of the wave in vacuum:
1
𝑐= = 3 × 108 𝑚/𝑠
𝜀0𝜇0
CHAPTER 30 30-4: Electromagnetic Radiations

Watch this !!!

The human eye is sensitive to electromagnetic

radiation that has wavelengths between
𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝟕𝟖𝟎 𝒏𝒎 which is the range called visible
light.