Electromagnetic wave
A 3D visualization of light as coupled electric and magnetic fields propagating through space. The E field oscillates vertically, the B field horizontally — always perpendicular to each other and to the direction of travel. Change polarization, rotate a filter, and see Maxwell’s equations in motion.
c = 1/√(μ₀ε₀) ≈ 3×10&sup8; m/s E = E₀ sin(kz − ωt) B = B₀ sin(kz − ωt)
Electromagnetic waves
James Clerk Maxwell showed in 1865 that changing electric fields create magnetic fields and vice versa. The result is a self-sustaining wave that propagates at the speed of light: c = 1/√(μ₀ε₀). Light, radio, X-rays, and gamma rays are all electromagnetic waves — differing only in wavelength.
Perpendicularity
The electric field E and magnetic field B are always perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation. In this visualization, the wave travels along the z-axis, E oscillates vertically, and B oscillates horizontally.
Polarization
Linear polarization: E oscillates in a single plane. Circular polarization: E traces a circle as the wave propagates — the x and y components are equal and 90° out of phase. Elliptical polarization: the general case, where the components have different amplitudes or non-90° phase difference.
Polarization filters
A polarizer transmits only the component of the E field aligned with its axis. If linearly polarized light hits a filter at angle θ to its polarization, the transmitted intensity follows Malus’s law: I = I₀ cos²(θ). At 90°, no light passes.