Question

For a particular polarization of light, the time dependent portion of the electric field Eₒ and magnetic field Hₒ are given by the expressions

Eₒ = 4sin(ωt)(i hat) + 4cos(ωt)(j hat) + 0(k hat)

Hₒ = 4cos(ωt)(i hat) + 4sin(ωt)(j hat) + 0(k hat)

where ω is a constant (the frequency of the light) and t is time.

a) Show that each field satisfies the wave equation in free space. (Hint: Don’t forget to include the space-dependent portion as well.)

b) Show that the two fields are perpendicular. Is a particular restriction of ω or t required for this?

c) Find the magnitude of the Poynting vector. In what direction is the light traveling?

d) This polarization can be described as “circularly polarized.” From what you already know, why is this appropriate?

Answer 1