# Electromagnetic Waves

Canonical: https://manyspace.aporia.systems/topics/electromagnetic-waves-phy-eandm-067
Updated: 2026-10-13

Physics · Electricity & Magnetism · PHY-EANDM-067

- Difficulty: 3 / 5
- Importance: 4 / 5
- Study time: 4–7.5 h

wave equation, plane waves, energy and Poynting vector, spectrum

## Why it matters

The theory of electric and magnetic fields culminating in Maxwell's equations — the foundation of all electrical technology and optics.

## Where it is used

Power grids, electronics, communications, motors/generators, medical imaging, sensors, every electronic device.

## How you know you have learned it

Solve ≥10 representative problems with ≥80% adjusted accuracy.

## What you need first

- [Maxwell's Equations](https://manyspace.aporia.systems/topics/maxwell-s-equations-phy-eandm-066) (required)
- [The Wave Equation](https://manyspace.aporia.systems/topics/the-wave-equation-phy-waves-028) (required)
- [Integration by Parts](https://manyspace.aporia.systems/topics/integration-by-parts-mth-calc2-140) (helpful)
- [3D Coordinates & Vectors](https://manyspace.aporia.systems/topics/3d-coordinates-vectors-mth-multc-168) (helpful)

## Resources

- Introduction to Electrodynamics — David Griffiths
- Introduction to Electrodynamics — David Griffiths
- Electricity and Magnetism — Purcell & Morin