Electromagnetic Waves

Abstract

We are now in a position to examine the applications of Maxwell’s equations to free space. In this there are no free charges, no free currents and no magnetic or dielectric material. Most important, however, is that in the first instance there are no boundary conditions to fulfil. Obviously here the conduction current is equal to zero and the solution is the easiest possible with the point form of the equations in use. Maxwell’s equations for curl E and curl H indicate a coupling between time-varying magnetic and electric fields. This in turn suggests that whenever a change in electric or magnetic field occurs then a transfer process, consisting of energy flow from the electric to magnetic to electric to magnetic and so on, is initiated. Since the electric and magnetic effects are not confined to the same location, then the transfer of energy in the form of an electromagnetic wave is a logical outcome.