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

7698 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the interaction that is responsible for keeping protons and neutrons together in a stable nucleus.


What does a stress-strain curve for a metal look like and what does each part mean?


Two immobile point charges Q1 and Q2 of values +q and +3q respectively are some distance apart. Q3, with value +2q is placed between them and does not move. What is the ratio of the distance between Q3 and Q2 to the distance between Q1 and Q3?


Derive the escape velocity from the surface of a planet with radius, r, and mass, M.


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