Show Maxwell's equations in free space satisfy the wave equation

Maxwell's equations in free space:

∇ . E = 0

= -B/t

∇ . B = 0

∇ B = (1/c2)(∂E/t)

The wave equation: 

2(1/c2)(2U/t2)

If we take the curl of ∇ E, we get ∇ x(∇ E) = -(/t)∇ B

Using the vector formula a×(b×c) = b(a· c)−c(a·b), we can expand the left hand side to: ∇(∇ . E) - E(∇.∇)

Since ∇.E = 0, this becomes -2-(/t)∇ B

As ∇ B = (1/c2)(∂E/t), we have -2-(/t)(1/c2)(∂E/t)

Thus, 2(1/c2)(2E/t2) which shows that Maxwell's equations satisfy the wave equation. A similar process can be applied to B

DD
Answered by Dojcin D. Physics tutor

7466 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is Olbers' Paradox?


Explain the workings of a mass spectrometer


Describe how standing waves are formed and explain why nodes and antinodes are formed.


What is meant by the doppler effect?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning