A movie of the electric and magnetic fields due to an oscillating current (84K quicktime animation) shows the essential characteristics of electromagnetic waves. The red vector is the electric field, and the blue vector is the magnetic field. The 1/r attenuation is clear in the movie, as are the degrees of freedom of the electromagnetic field. The plane in which the electric and magnetic fields oscillate is called the "plane of polarization". The movie is most effective when set to loop.
If you have stumbled on this page, and the equations look funny (or you just want to know where you are!), see the College Physics for Students of Biology and Chemistry home page.
©1996, Kenneth R. Koehler. All Rights Reserved. This document may be freely reproduced provided that this copyright notice is included.
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