Electromagnetic Theory for M.

Sc Course – CH9 College of Education – Physics Department

9.9 Boundary Condition for Time-Varying Fields

The relationship between the electric flux density D, electric field intensity E,
magnetic flux density B, and magnetic field intensity H can be explained with the
help of point form or integral form of Maxwell's equations. The field equations
postulated by Maxwell are valid at a point in a continuous medium.
Maxwell's equations are useful in determining the conditions at the boundary
surface of two different media. The concepts of linear, isotropic, and homogeneous
medium can be applied. Consider the boundary between medium 1 with
parameters ϵ1, μ1, and σ1 and medium 2 with parameters ϵ2, μ2, and σ2 . In
general, the boundary conditions for time varying fields are same as those for static
fields. Thus, at the boundary, referring boundary conditions for static electric
magnetic fields can be written as,

i- The tangential component of electric field intensity E is continuous at the

surface.
Etan1=Etan2 ……………………………………………………….(1)
ii- The tangential component of magnetic field intensity H is continuous
across the surface except for a perfect conductor.
Htan1=Htan2 ………………………………………….……….…(2a)
At the surface of perfect conductor, the tangential component of the
magnetic field intensity is discontinuous at the boundary.
Htan1-Htan2 = K …………………………………….…………...(2b)
i) The normal component of electric flux density is continuous at the
boundary if the surface charge density is zero.
DN1=DN2 ………………………………………………….……(3a)
If the surface charge density is not zero, then the normal component of
electric flux density is discontinuous at the boundary.
DN1-DN2=ρs ……………………………………………………(3b)
ii) The normal component of magnetic flux density is continuous at the
boundary.
BN1=BN2 ………………………………………………………(4)