What the syllabus asks you to cover
Displacement current, Maxwell’s equations in integral and point forms. Wave propagation in lossless and lossy dielectric, Plane waves in free space, lossless dielectric, good conductor. Reflection of plane wave at normal and oblique incidence.
Start here for the core ideas. A dedicated GitBook topic page was not available; this original guide is introductory. Use the syllabus checklist and references below to study the remaining details.
From Maxwell's equations to waves
A changing electric field and a changing magnetic field can sustain electromagnetic propagation. In a uniform lossless medium, phase speed is . Frequency and wavelength satisfy . Keep phase speed, attenuation and characteristic wave impedance separate when comparing media.
Track energy and boundaries
The Poynting vector describes electromagnetic power flow per unit area. At an interface, boundary conditions determine reflected and transmitted waves. A conducting medium introduces attenuation and skin depth; a lossless dielectric does not have conduction loss in that idealized model.
Try it
A 100 MHz plane wave in free space has wavelength approximately 3 m. The frequency stays the same when the wave enters a stationary dielectric interface, while its wavelength changes with propagation speed.
Check your understanding
Compare phase and group velocity. Explain why an impedance mismatch produces reflection. Continue with normal and oblique incidence, polarization, propagation constants and lossy-medium examples in the reference course.
Pause and recall
Without looking back, explain the main idea, recall a key definition or formula, and describe when it applies. Include assumptions and units where relevant. Revisit any step you could not explain.