RAJALAKSHMI ENGINEERING COLLEGE

(An Autonomous Institution, Affiliated to Anna University, Chennai)

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONCS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

EC19503 EM WAVES AND WAVEGUIDES

TWO MARKS

UNIT I

STATIONARY ELECTRIC FIELDS

1. Define the term electromagnetics.

Electromagnetics is a branch of physics or electrical engineering in which electric and
magnetic phenomena are studied. It may be regarded as the study of the interactions
between electric charges at rest and in motion. It entails the analysis, synthesis, physical
interpretation, and application of electric and magnetic fields.
2. Where electromagnetic principles find application?
RF communication Microwave Engineering Antennas
Electrical Machines Satellite Communication Atomic and nuclear research
Radar Technology Remote sensing Quantum Electronics
3. State Coulomb's Law.
Coulomb's law states that the force F between two-point charges Q1 and Q 2 is
1. Along the line joining them
2. Directly proportional to the product Q1 Q 2 of the charges
3. Inversely proportional to the square of the distance R between them
kQ1Q 2
Expressed mathematically F=
R2
where k is the proportionality constant. In SI units, charges Q1 and Q 2 are in coulombs
(C), the distance R is in meters (m), and the force F is in newtons (N).
1
k= 9  10−9 m/ F
40
The constant  0 is known as the permittivity of free space (in farads per meter) and has
the value
10−9
0 = 8.854 10−12 F/ m
36

1
 4. List the inference observed from Coulomb’s Law.

i. As shown in Figure, the force F21 iii. The distance R between the charged
on Q1 due to Q 2 is given by bodies Q 1 and Q 2 must be large

F21 = F12 a R 21 = F21 ( −a R12 )

compared with the linear dimensions
of the bodies; that is, Q1 and
Q 2 must be point charges.
iv. Q 1 and Q 2 must be static (at rest).

Q Q
v. The signs of 1 and 2 must be taken into
account as shown below
ii. Like charges (a), (b) repel each other Q1Q 2
while unlike charges (c)attract. F= .a R
4 0 R 2 12

5. What is Electric Field?

The electric field intensity or the electric field strength (E) at a point is defined as the
force per unit charge when placed in a electric field. That is
F
E= N/C
Q
The electric field intensity E in the direction of the force F is measured in
newtons/coulomb or volts/meter.
6. What do you mean by electric flux lines?
An electric flux (χ) line is an imaginary path or line drawn in such a way that its direction
at any point is the direction of the electric field at that point. χ= Q
7. Enumerate the functions of field lines.
i. Field lines indicate the direction of the field; the field is tangent to the line.
ii. The magnitude of the field is proportional to the density of the lines.
iii. Field lines start on positive charges and end on negative charges; the number is
proportional to the magnitude of the charge.
iv. Flux lines are parallel and never cross each other.
2
 v. Flux lines are independent of the medium in which charges are placed.
8. What is Electric Flux Density?
Electric field intensity or simply ‘Electric field' gives the strength of the field at a
particular point. For a linear isotropic medium under consideration; the flux density
vector is defined as
D = 0 E C / m 2
&
ψ =  D.ds C

The electric flux is measured in coulombs. The vector field D is called the electric flux
density and is measured in coulombs per square meter. The electric flux density is also
called electric displacement.

9. State Gauss's Law.

Gauss's law states that the total electric flux ψ through any closed surface is equal to the
total charge enclosed by that surface. Surface over which Gauss’s law is applied must be
closed and it is said to be Gaussian surface.
ψ = Qenc
or
Q =  D.ds =  v dv
S v

10. What is a Gaussian surface? What condition it must satisfy.

The surface over which Gauss’s Law is applied is called Gaussian surface.
The surface is a closed surface and it has to satisfy
i. Surface may be irregular but should be sufficiently large so as to enclose the entire
charge.
ii. Surface must be closed.
iii. At each point of the surface D is either normal or tangential to the surface.
iv. Electric flux density D is constant over the surface at which D is normal.
11. Name a few applications of Gauss law in electrostatics.
i. Gauss’s law is applied to determine the electric field intensity from a closed surface.
ii. Electric filed can be determined for shell, two concentric shell or cylinders, etc.
12. What is an Electric Dipole and Diploe moment?
An electric dipole is formed when two-point charges of equal magnitude but opposite
sign are separated by a small distance.

3
 Q d
V=
4 0 Cos θ

The product of electric charge (Q) and spacing distance (d) is known as Dipole moment
(m). it is given by m=Q × d (Coulomb metre)

13. Define the term Potential and Potential difference.

Potential at any point is defined as the work done in moving a unit positive charge from
Q
infinity to that point in an electric field. It is given by V = volts
4r
Potential difference is defined as the work done in moving a unit positive charge from
Q 1 1
one point to another point in an electric field. It is given by V =  −  volts
4 0  rA rB 
14. Give the formula for Electrostatic Energy and Energy Density.
1 n
 Qk Vk ( joules )
WE =
2 k=1
1
WE = 0 E
2
15. What do you mean by boundary conditions?
When an electric field exits in region consisting of two different media, the condition that
the field must satisfy at the interface separating the media are called boundary conditions.
16. State the boundary conditions at the interface between two perfect dielectrics in
electric field.

i. Tangential component of electric field intensity is continuous i.e., E t1 = E t2

ii. Normal component of electric field density is continuous i.e., Dn1 = D n2

17. Give the Poisson’s and Laplace’s equation.

Poisson’s equation Laplace’s equation
v V V
2 V = − 2 V = 0
 m2 m2
V Electrostatic Potential v volume charge density
 Dielectric constant or permittivity of medium
18. Give the physical significance difference between Poisson’s & Laplace’s equation.
Poisson’s and Laplace’s equation are useful for determining the Electrostatic Potential V
in a region at whose boundaries are known.

4
 When the region of interest contains charges in a known distribution v Poisson’s
equation can be used to determine the potential function.
v V
2 V = −
 m2
When the region is free from charge (ρ=0), Poisson’s equation then becomes 2 V = 0
which is Laplace’s equation.
19. Define the term capacitor.
A capacitor is made up of two conductors carrying equal and opposite charges. The flux
lines leaving one conductor must terminate at the other conductor. These conductors are
called plates of capacitor. The plates are separated by free space or dielectric.
20. Define the term capacitance.
The capacitance of a capacitor is defined as the ratio of the magnitude of charge on one of
the plates to the potential difference between the plates.

Q
C=
V
21. List the procedure to determine the capacitance of a medium using boundary
conditions.
i. Determine the appropriate boundary conditions for the conductor
ii. Determine “V” using Laplace equation.
iii. Apply boundary condition to “V” and determine the required potential.

iv. Determine the electric field E = −V

v. Determine the electric flux density D = E

vi. Determine the charge Q =  D.ds

s

Q
vii. Determine the capacitance C =
V0

5
 UNIT II

STATIONARY MAGNETIC FIELDS & MAXWELL’S EQUATION

1. Define magnetic field and magnetic lines of force.

The region around a magnet within which the influence of the magnet can be experienced
is called magnetic field. Such a field is represented by imaginary lines around the magnet
which are called magnetic lines of force. These lines of force are also called magnetic
lines of flux or magnetic flux lines.
2. Define magnetic field intensity and state its unit.
The magnetic field intensity at any point in the magnetic field is defined as the force
experienced by a unit north pole of one weber strength, when placed at that point.
Magnetic field intensity is measured in newtons/weber (N/Wb) or amperes per meter (A/
m) or ampere-turns/meter (AT/m). It is denoted as H.
3. Define magnetic flux.

The total number of lines of force existing in a particular magnetic field is called
magnetic flux which is denoted as ϕ. It is measured in Webers (Wb).

4. Define magnetic flux density and state its unit.

The total magnetic lines of force i.e., magnetic flux crossing a unit area in a plane at right
angles to the direction of flux is called magnetic flux density. It is vector quantity denoted

as B. It is measured in weber per square meter ( Wb / m ) which is also called Tesla (T).
2

Magnetic Flux (  )
Flux density, B =
Area ( A )
5. What is permeability? State its unit.
Permeability is the ability or ease with which the current carrying conductor forces the
magnetic flux through the region around it. For a free space, the permeability is denoted

as 0 and its value is 410 . It is measured in Henries per meter (H/ m). For any
−7

other region, a relative permeability is specified as  r and  = 0  r .

6. What is the relation between magnetic flux density and magnetic field intensity?
In magnetostatics, the magnetic flux density B and magnetic field intensity H are related
to each other through the property of the region in which current carrying conductor is
placed called permeability denoted as  . B = H
6
7. State the physical significance of a curl.
The curl is a closed line integral per unit area as the area shrinks to a point. It gives the
circulation per unit area i.e., circulation density of a vector about a point at which the area
is going to shrink. Thus, curl of a vector at a point quantifies the circulation of a vector
around that point. In general, if there is no rotation, there is no curl while large angular
velocities mean greater values of curl. The curl also gives the direction, which is along
the axis through a point at which curl is defined.
8. State Biot-Savart’s law

Magnetic field dH at P due to current element I dl.

Biot–Savart’s law states that the differential magnetic field intensity dH produced at a
point P, by the differential current element I dl is proportional to the product I dl and the
sine of the angle a between the element and the line joining P to the element and is
inversely proportional to the square of the distance R between P and the element.
I dl sinα I dl × R
dH = =
4πR 2 4πR 3
9. State Ampere’s circuital law.

Ampère’s circuit law states that the line integral of H around a closed path is the same
as the net current Ienc enclosed by the path.

 H • dl = I
L
enc

10. What is scalar magnetic potential?

The scalar magnetic potential Vm can be defined for source free region where J i.e.,

current density is zero. H = −Vm , only for J = 0.

11. State Laplace's equation for scalar magnetic potential.

The Laplace's equation for scalar magnetic potential is,  Vm = 0 for J = 0

2

12. Define vector magnetic potential and state its unit.

7
 The vector magnetic potential A is defined such that curl of vector magnetic potential is
the flux density. B =   A . The definition requires that .B = 0 . The vector magnetic
potential A serves an intermediate quantity from which B and hence H can be obtained. It
is measured in Wb/ m.
13. State the Poisson's equation for magnetostatic fields.

The Poisson's equation for magnetostatic fields.  A =  0 J

2

14. Can a static magnetic field exist in a good conductor? Explain.

A static magnetic field can exist ln a good conductor. When conductor carries current, it
produces flux which can exist inside the conductor. Due to this flux, magnetic field and
intensity exists at a point inside the good conductor
15. State the applications of Ampere's circuital law.
Ampere’s circuital law can be used to obtain H due to,
a. infinitely long straight conductor
b. Co-axial cable
c. infinite sheet of current
d. Circular conductor carrying current I.
16. Draw the magnetic field pattern in and around a solenoid.

17. Define the term relative permeability.

The relative permeability is defined as the ratio of flux density produced in a medium
(other than free space) to the flux density produced in free space, under the inf1uence of
same magnetic field strength and under identical conditions. Thus, if the magnetic field
strength is H which is producing flux density B in the medium while flux density in free
B
space B 0 then the. relative permeability is defined as,  r = where H is same.
B0

It is dimensionless and has no units. For free space, vacuum or air,  r = 1

8
18. Define permeability of free space.

If the magnet is placed in a free space or vacuum or in air then the ratio of flux density B
and magnetic field strength H is called permeability of free space or vacuum or air.

19. Define self-Inductance.

The ratio of total flux linkage' to the current producing that flux is called Inductance
N
denoted by L and measured in Henries. L =
I

20. Give the inductance equation for solenoid and toroid.

The inductance for solenoid is given by L = N2μIS H / m

N2
The inductance for toroid is given by L = H/m
2
22. State the boundary conditions at the interface between two perfect dielectrics in
magnetic field.

i. Tangential component is continuous i.e., H t1 = H t2

ii. Normal component is continuous i.e., Bn1 = Bn2

21. What is meant by time varying field? How are they different than static fields?

The fields which are produced due to the time varying currents arc called time varying
fields or dynamic fields. The time varying electric field can be produced by the time
varying magnetic field while time varying magnetic field can be produced using time
varying electric field. These fields change with respect to time. The fields which do not
change with respect to time are called static fields or time variant fields.

22. State Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction.

The electromotive force (emf) induced in a dosed path (or circuit) is proportional to rate
of change of magnetic flux enclosed by the dosed path (or linked with the circuit}.

d
Faraday's law' can be stated as, e = − N •I
dt

23. What is meant by an electromagnetic induction?

When a closed path is moved in a magnetic field, a current is generated and thus emf. is
generated. Similarly, when a closed path is kept steady and the magnetic field is varied,

9
 the current is produced hence emf is generated. This phenomenon is known as
electromagnetic induction.

24. State Lenz's law.

"The direction of induced emf is such that it opposes the cause producing ii. i.e. changes
in the magnetic flux."

25. Write Maxwell’s equation in free space

i. Maxwell’s equation derived from Faraday's law “The total electromotive force (emf)
induced in a dosed path is equal to the negative surface integral of the rate of change of
flux density with respect to time over an entire surface bounded by the same path.”

ii. Maxwell’s equation derived from Ampere's circuital law: “The total magnetomotive
force (mmf) around any closed. path is equal to the surface integral of the conduction
and displacement current densities over the entire surface bounded by the same closed
path".

iii. Maxwell’s equation derived Gauss's law for electric field: “The total flux leaving out of
a closed surface is equal to the total charge enclosed by a finite volume".

iv. Maxwell’s equation derived Gauss's law for magnetic field: 'The surface integral of
magnetic flux density over a dosed surface is always equal to Zero".

10
 UNIT III

FIELDS AND WAVES IN HOMOGENOUS MEDIUM

1. What are Waves?

A wave is a function of both space and time. Waves are means of transporting energy or
information. Typical examples of EM waves include radio waves, TV signals, radar
beams, and light rays.
2. List the characteristics of Waves.
i. All the waves travel at high velocity;
ii. In traveling they assume the properties of waves; and
iii. Waves radiate outward from a source, without benefit of any discernible physical
vehicles
3. Give the wave equation for E field and H field.

 E    2E 
E Field  2 E =    +   2 
 t   t 
 H   2H 
H Field  2 H =    +   2  are known as wave equations.
 t   t 
4. Define the term Uniform Plane waves or What are Plane waves?
Uniform plane wave is an electromagnetic wave in which the electric and magnetic fields
and the direction of propagation are mutually orthogonal, and their amplitudes and phases
are constant over planes perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

 2E   2H  1
E Field  2 E = 00  2  H Field  2 H =  0 0  2  0 = = 3 108 m / s
 t   t  0 0
5. Give the Helmholtz equation.
2 E −  2 E = 0

2 H −  2 H = 0  2 = −2  propagation constant

6. What is meant by transverse electromagnetic wave?
If the fields E & H of an electromagnetic wave are mutually perpendicular to each other
and if the direction of propagation of an electromagnetic wave is orthogonal to the plane
consisting E & H field vectors, then the wave is said to be transverse electromagnetic
wave (TEM).

11
7. Define phase velocity.

Phase velocity of the uniform plane waves is defined as the velocity with which the
1
phase of the wave propagates. It is denoted by p =
0
8. Define intrinsic impedance of a medium. (OR) What is the Intrinsic impedance of
free space? OR Calculate Intrinsic Impedance of free space.

The intrinsic impedance of a medium is defined as the ratio of permeability to the


permittivity of the medium. It is denoted by  . It is. expressed as,  =


For free space,  = 0 and  = 0 . Hence the intrinsic impedance of the free space is
0 410−7
given by,  = = = 120 = 377
0 8.854 10−12
The significance of the intrinsic impedance of free space i.e., no is that its value is purely
real and resistive. It is also the ratio of magnitude of electric field E to that of the
magnetic field H
9. Define propagation constant.
The propagation constant is a complex quantity expressed in terms of the properties of the

medium. It is denoted by  and is given by,  =  + j = j (  + j )

10. What is meant by attenuation constant and phase constant?

The real part of propagation constant is called attenuation constant. It is denoted by  . It
is measured in nepers per meter (Np/ m). It indicates the amount by, which the amplitude
of the signal reduces. The imaginary part of propagation constant is called phase constant.
It is denoted by  . It is measured in radian per meter. It indicates the amount by which
the phase change of the signal occurs.
11. Define wavelength,
A distance required to effect a phase change of 2  radian is called wavelength. It is
denoted by  and measured in meter. According to the fundamental definition,
2
wavelength is given by  =

12. Write down the general equations for velocity, propagation constant, Intrinsic
impedance and wavelength?

12
 1  2f
Velocity=  = = = = f.
  2


Propagation constant= γ=α+ jβ= jωμ ( σ+ jωε ) m-1

jωμ
Intrinsic impedance=  = 
σ+ jωε

2 v
Wavelength  = =
 f
13. Give the significance of intrinsic impedance. What is meant by lossy dielectric?
In lossy dielectric medium, the expression for the intrinsic impedance is given by,
 =  n . Hence it is a complex quantity n indicates that there is a phase difference

between the electric and magnetic field. Thus, in lossy dielectric, the electric and
magnetic fields are not in time phase.
The medium in which attenuation constant  is non-7.ero indicating that the signal is
exponentially decays with the factor e−z called lossy dielectric medium.
14. What is loss tangent? (OR) Define loss tangent
σ
The term is called loss tangent of dielectric and the angle  is called loss angle
ωε
15. What is the significance of loss tangent?
When σ ωε . the loss tangent is very high; thus, a medium is said to be good conductor.
When σ ωε ,. the loss tangent is also small; thus, the medium is said to be good
dielectric. Hence any medium behaves as a good conductor at low frequencies while
exhibits the properties of lossy dielectric at very high frequencies.
16. Define skin depth. (OR) What is meant by depth of penetration?
The distance through which the amplitude of the travelling wave decreases to 37% of the
original amplitude is called skin depth or depth of penetration. It is denoted by 
1 1 1
Skindepth =  = = = m
  f
17. Define the term polarization.
Polarization refers to the orientation of the electric field vector. For waves, the term
“polarization” refers specifically to the orientation of this vector with increasing distance
along the direction of propagation, or, equivalently, the orientation of this vector with
increasing time at a fixed point in space.

13
18. Define the term Linear polarization.
A wave is said to exhibit linear polarization if the direction of the electric field vector
does not vary with either time or position. A common example is the wave radiated by a
straight wire antenna, such as a dipole or a monopole. Linear polarization may also be
created by passing a plane wave through a polarizer; this is particularly common at
optical frequencies
19. Define the term Circular polarization.
A wave is said to exhibit circular polarization if the electric field vector rotates with
constant magnitude. In engineering applications, circular polarization is useful when the
relative orientations of transmit and receive equipment is variable and/or when the
medium is able rotate the electric field vector.
For example, radio communications involving satellites in non-geosynchronous orbits
typically employ circular polarization. In particular, satellites of the U.S. Global
Positioning System (GPS) transmit circular polarization because of the variable geometry
of the space-to-earth radio link and the tendency of the Earth’s ionosphere to rotate the
electric field vector through a mechanism known Faraday rotation (sometimes called the
“Faraday effect”).
20. Explain the formation of elliptical polarization
Elliptical polarization results when Ex and Ey do not have equal magnitude. Elliptical
polarization is typically not an intended condition, but rather is most commonly observed
as a degradation in a system that is nominally linearly- or circularly-polarized. For
example, most antennas that are said to be “circularly polarized” instead produce circular
polarization only in one direction and various degrees of elliptical polarization in all other
directions.

14
21. Condition for a wave travelling in different media

Parameters General Equations Good Conductor Good Dielectrics Lossless Dielectrics Free Space

  2    
Attenuation constant =  1 + 2 2 − 1 = = =0 =0
2    2 2 
 

  2    2 
Propagation constant =  1 + 2 2 + 1 =  =   1 + 2 2   =    =  0 0
2    2  8  
 

1
=
2 1    1 1
Velocity   2  = = 1 + 2 2  = =
 1 + 2 2 − 1    8    0 0
2   
 

μ
jωμ ωμ μ  jσ  μ
1 +
= 0 = = 0
Intrinsic impedance = 45  = 0
σ+ jωε σ ε  2ωε   
0

15
 UNIT IV
REFLECTION AND REFRACTION OF PLANE WAVES
1. Explain how normal incidence waves are formed on a perfect conductor?
i. When a wave in air is incident on a perfect conductor normally, it is entirely reflected.
ii. As neither E nor H can exist in a perfect conductor, none of the energy is transmitted
through it.
iii. As there are no losses within a perfect conductor, no energy is absorbed in it.
iv. When an EM wave travelling in one medium is incident upon a second medium, it is
partially reflected and partially transmitted.
v. Total fields of a wave at any point after reflection with normal incidence on a perfect
conductor.
2. Explain how normal incidence waves are formed on a dielectric?
When an EM wave is incident normally on the surface of a dielectric, reflection and
transmission take place. For a perfect dielectric,  = 0 . Hence, there is no loss or no
absorption of energy in it.
3. Define the term reflection co-efficient
Reflection coefficient is defined as the ratio of reflected wave and incident wave
reflected wave in electric field ( E r )
Reflection coefficient,  E =
incident wave in electric field ( E i )
reflected wave in magnetic field ( H r )
Reflection coefficient,  H =
incident wave in magnetic field ( Hi )

4. Define the term reflection co-efficient.

Transmission coefficient is defined as the ratio of transmitted wave and incident wave.
transmitted wave in electric field ( E t )
Transmission coefficient, TE =
incident wave in electric field ( Ei )
transmitted wave in magnetic field ( H t )
Transmission coefficient, TH =
incident wave in magnetic field ( Hi )
5. Give the expressions for reflection and transmission coefficients.
E r 2 − 1 Et 22
E = = TE = =
E i 2 + 1 Ei 2 + 1
where 1 and 2 are intrinsic impedances
H  − 2 H 21
H = r = 1 TH = t =
H i 1 + 2 Hi 1 + 2

of medium 1 and medium 2 respectively.

16
6. Explain the formation of oblique incidence of a plane wave on a boundary plane?
Reflection and transmission of a wave depend on the type of polarization of a wave and
the medium of the boundary. General polarizations, namely, parallel and perpendicular,
are considered.
7. What is Plane of Incidence?
It is a plane which contains the incident, reflected and transmitted rays and is normal to
the boundary.

8. Explain the formation of oblique incidence of a plane wave on a perfect conductor?

When a wave is incident on a perfect conductor, it is reflected back into the same
medium. The resultant fields depend on the type of polarization.
9. Explain the formation of oblique incidence of a plane wave on a perfect conductor?
(OR)
Define Snell’s Law.
When a wave is incident on a dielectric, a part of it is reflected and a part of it is
transmitted through the dielectric. If i ,  r and  t are the angles of the incident, reflected

and transmitted rays, i =  r . The angles i and  t are related by Snell’s law, that is,

Sin i 
= r2
Sin t  r1

10. Define Brewster Angle

Brewster angle is the angle of incidence at which there is no reflection.
 r2
Brewster angle for parallel polarization, i = tan −1
 r1
Brewster angle for perpendicular polarization, no reflection occurs r2 = r1

11. Define the term Total Internal Reflection

Total internal reflection is said to exist if
i. the angle of incidence is very high
17
 ii. medium 1 is denser than medium 2 and
r 2
iii. Sin i 
 r1

12. Define the term surface impedance.

Definition It is defined as the ratio of the tangential electric field, E t Et to the linear

Et
current density, Js which flows due to the electric field, that is, Zs = .
Js
Poynting's theorem states that the net power flowing out of a given volume V equal to the
lime rate of decrease in the energy stored within v minus the conduction losses

18
 UNIT-V
WAVEGUIDES
1. What is meant by guided waves?
In many applications, it is necessary to confine and guide the wave energy by the guided
structure. In such cases, transmitting power or fields are confined by the boundaries of a
guided structure which is made up of a material other than that of transmission path or
media. The waves directed or guided by the guided structure are called guided waves
2. What do you mean by unguided wave? Give any one example.
The EM energy associated with the wave radiates over a wide area. Such a propagation is
said to be unguided wave propagation. Consider an example of or radio broadcasting. In
TV or radio broadcasting, the wave propagation i.e., the transmission of signal is in
unbounded media as the signal transmitted is meant for everyone.
3. Name the structures used for guiding waves.
Typical examples of such structures used in guiding waves are transmission and
waveguides.
4. What is dominant mode? Give example?
The mode which has lowest cut off frequency or highest cut of wavelength is called
dominant mode.
5. What is cut off frequency?
The frequency at which the wave motion ceases is called cutoff frequency of the
waveguide. It is the frequency at which propagation constant changes from being real to
imaginary. The frequency below which the signal suffers only attenuation, while above
it, wave is just starts propagating.
6. What is meant by TE and TM mode of propagation?
Transverse electric (TE) wave is a wave in which the electric field strength E is entirely
transverse. It has a magnetic field strength in the direction of propagation and no
component of electric field in the direction of wave propagation.
Transverse magnetic (TM) wave is a wave in which the magnetic field strength H is
entirely transverse. It has an electric field strength in the direction of wave propagation
and no component of magnetic field in the direction of wave propagation.
7. What are wave guides? Give examples?

19
 A hollow conducting metallic tube of uniform cross section which is used for
propagating electromagnetic wave is called wave guide.
8. Why TEM waves cannot propagate through rectangular wave guide?
TEM wave cannot propagate through waveguide because it needs either axial conductor
for axial current or axial displacement current to support transverse magnetic field. Both
these conditions are not possible in waveguide.
9. Define guide wavelength and group velocity?
Phase velocity is defined as the velocity of propagation of equiphase surfaces along
a guide. It is given by,

Group velocity ( ) is defined as the velocity with which the energy propagates along a

guide. It is given by,

10. Define dominant mode. Write its significance.

The wave which has the lowest cutoff frequency is called the dominant wave. In
rectangular wave guide, the lowest order TE wave, TE10 mode has the lowest cutoff
frequency and so TE10 wave is the dominant wave.
11. Relate group and phase velocity
The relation between phase velocity and group velocity is given by
12. List the characteristics of TEM wave?
The characteristics of TEM waves are:
a. The amplitude of field component is constant
b. Velocity of propagation and wave impedance are independent of frequency of wave
c. TEM waves cannot exist in a single conductor hollow waveguide
d. The cut – off frequency of TEM wave is zero
e. The ratio of amplitudes of E to H is intrinsic impedance.
f. It doesn’t have either or component.
13. What is TEM wave or principal wave?
The Transverse Electromagnetic (TEM) waves are waves in which both electric and
magnetic fields are transverse entirely but have no components of and . It is also
called the principal wave.
14. Distinguish between TE waves and TM waves?
TE TM
Electric field strength E is entirely Magnetic field strength is entirely

20
 transverse. transverse.
It has z component of magnetic field It has z component of electric field
It has no z component of electric field It has no z component of magnetic field

15. Give the dominant mode of TE and TM of rectangular waveguides?

The lowest mode for TE wave is TE10 (m=1, n=0)
The lowest mode for TM wave is TM11 (m=1, n=1)
16. Define wave impedance?
Wave impedance is defined as the ratio of electric field strength to magnetic field
strength, which is given by
in positive direction and in negative direction

17. Why rectangular waveguide is preferred of circular waveguides?

Rectangular waveguides are preferred over circular waveguides because of following
reasons
a. rectangular wave guides are being smaller in size than a circular waveguide of
the same operating frequency.
b. It does not maintain its polarization through circular waveguides.
c. The difference between the lowest frequency on a dominant mode and the next
mode of a rectangular waveguide is higher than that in a circular waveguide.
18. . What is an evanescent mode?
When the operating frequency is lower than the cut-off frequency, the propagation
constant becomes real i.e., γ= α. So, the wave cannot be propagated for that
frequency. This non- propagating mode is known as evanescent mode.
19. Why is circular or rectangular form used as waveguide?
Waveguides usually take the form of rectangular or circular cylinders because of its
simpler forms in use and less expensive to manufacture.
20. What is the dominant mode for the TE waves in the rectangular waveguide?
The lowest mode for TE wave is TE10 (m=1 , n=0)
21. What is the dominant mode for the TM waves in the rectangular waveguide?
The lowest mode for TM wave is TM11(m=1 , n=1)
22. What is the dominant mode for the rectangular waveguide?
The lowest mode for TE wave is TE10 (m=1, n=0) whereas the lowest mode for TM
wave is TM11(m=1, n=1). The TE10 wave have the lowest cut off frequency
21
 compared to the TM11 mode. Hence the TE10 (m=1, n=0) is the dominant mode of a
rectangular waveguide. Because the TE10 mode has the lowest attenuation of all
modes in a rectangular waveguide and its electric field is definitely polarized in one
direction everywhere.
23. Which are the non-zero field components for the for the TM11 mode in a
rectangular waveguide?
Hx, Hy, Ey. and Ez.
24. Define characteristic impedance in a waveguide
The characteristic impedance Zo can be defined in terms of the voltage-current ratio
or in terms of power transmitted for a given voltage or a given current.
Zo (V,I) = V/I
25. Why TEM mode is not possible in a rectangular waveguide?
Since TEM wave do not have axial component of either E or H, it cannot propagate
within a single conductor waveguide
26. Explain why TM01 and TM10 modes in a rectangular waveguide do not exist.
For TM modes in rectangular waveguides, neither m or n can be zero because all the
field equations vanish (i.e., Hx, Hy, Ey. and Ez.=0). If m=0, n=1 or m=1, n=0 no
fields are present. Hence TM01 and TM10 modes in a rectangular waveguide do not
exist.
27. What are degenerate modes in a rectangular waveguide?
Some of the higher order modes, having the same cut off frequency, are called
degenerate modes. In a rectangular waveguide, TEmn and TMmn modes (both m ≠ 0
and n≠0) are always degenerate.

22