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

7479 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A boy (25kg) and a girl (20kg) are playing on a see-saw which is 4m long. If the boy sits 1m from the centre on the left side and the girl 2m from the centre on the other, which direction will the see-saw will rotate around its centre?


What does a negative velocity mean?


2 identical trolleys of mass M(one is loaded with 2 blocks of mass m) are on a ramp inclined at 35° and are connected by a wire that passes around a pulley at the top of the ramp. They are released and accelerate accordingly. Show that a=(mgsin35°)/(M+m).


What is an electron volt?


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