Wave Polarization and Electromagnetic Waves

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to wave polarization and electromagnetic waves.

Wave Polarization

Describes the locus traced by the tip of the E vector at a fixed point as a function of time in electromagnetic wave propagation.

Linear Polarization

A wave is linearly polarized if the tip of the E vector traces a straight line segment at a fixed point as a function of time.

Circular Polarization

Occurs when the electric field vector rotates in a circular motion in a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

Elliptical Polarization

A general form of polarization where the tip of the E vector traces an ellipse in the polarization plane.

Attenuation

The reduction in the magnitude of an electromagnetic wave as it propagates through a medium.

Skin Depth

The depth at which the magnitude of an electromagnetic field decreases to 1/e of its initial value in a conducting medium.

Conduction Current Density

The current density due to the movement of charge carriers within a conductive material.

Displacement Current Density

The current density associated with the changing electric field in a dielectric material.

Good Conductor

A material with high conductivity where conduction current dominates.

Good Dielectric

A material with low conductivity, allowing displacement current to dominate.