Solutions to Previous End-Sem Question Papers

(May 22, Nov. 22, May 23, Nov. 23 & May 24)
Unit 5 – Uniform Plane Waves

Q.1(a) Derive Electromagnetic Wave Equation E & H in phasor form [09]

Solu. We know that Maxwell’s Equation for free space in point form are given by:

A. Wave Equation in terms of E:

Differentiating Equation 2 w.r.t time:

Taking Curl of Equation 1:

Substituting Equation 7 in Equation 10

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In phasor form Equation 13 can be expressed as:

B. Wave Equation in terms of H:

Differentiating Equation 1 w.r.t time:

Taking Curl of Equation2:

Substituting Equation 7 in Equation 10

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 In phasor form equation 13 can be expressed as:

Q.1(b) A uniform plane wave is travelling with a velocity of 3.5 x 105 m/s having a [09]
wavelength of 0.35 mm in a non-magnetic good conductor, Find the frequency
of the wave and the conductivity of the medium.

Soln. Given Data: v = 3.5 x 105 m/s; λ = 0.35mm

1) Frequency of the Wave (f):

2) Conductivity of the medium (σ):

Squaring both the sides;

For the medium assuming μr = 1

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Q.2(a) What is polarization of Uniform Plane Wave? Explain the different types of [09]
polarization

Soln. Polarization: The time varying behaviour of electric field (E) at any given point in a
free space is called as Polarization of Uniform Plane Wave.
There are three types of Polarization:
a. Linear Polarization

b. Circular Polarization
c. Elliptical Polarization

A. Linear Polarization: Consider the wave propagating in z- direction; Then

will either have Ex or Ey components. If both the components are present
then the direction and magnitude of the Electric field will be decided by the
resultant of two vectors Ex and Ey. Furthermore, the angle between Ex and Ey
will remain constant with respect to time; which will be given by:

Θ = tan-1 (Ey / Ex)

Ex
Ex
Ey E Ey E E E
Ey Ey

Ex Ex
t=0 t = T/8 t = T/4 t = 3T/8 t = T/2

There are two types of Linear Polarization:

a. Horizontal Polarization

b. Vertical Polarization

B. Circular Polarization: Consider the wave propagating in z- direction; Then

will either have Ex or Ey components. If both the components are present
then the direction and magnitude of the Electric field will be decided by the
resultant of two vectors Ex and Ey; where magnitude of Ex and Ey will be

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 equal, Furthermore, the angle between Ex and Ey will be 90°.

E Ey E E Ex
Ex Ey E
E

t=0 t = T/8 t = T/4 t = 3T/8 t = T/2

Let us consider Ex = Ey = Ea

At z = 0,

Considering the coefficients of Equation 6:

Squaring and adding the coefficients mentioned in Equation 7

Equation 10 represents the equation of the Circle.

There are two types of Circular Polarization:

a. Clockwise Polarization

b. Anticlockwise Polarization

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 C. Elliptical Polarization: Consider the wave propagating in z- direction; Then
will either have Ex or Ey components. If both the components are present
then the direction and magnitude of the Electric field will be decided by the
resultant of two vectors Ex and Ey; where magnitude of Ex and Ey will not be
equal. Furthermore, the angle between Ex and Ey will be 90°.

Ey E Ex
E E
Ex Ey E E

t = T/8 t = T/4 t = 3T/8 t = T/2

t=0
Let us consider Ex ≠ Ey

At z = 0; Equation 5 can be written as

Considering the coefficients of Equation 6:

Squaring and adding the coefficients mentioned in Equation 8

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 Equation 10 represents the equation of an Ellipse.

There are two types of Elliptical Polarization:

a. Clockwise Polarization

b. Anticlockwise Polarization

Q.2(b) Find the reflected and transmitted electric and magnetic field intensity at the [09]
interface between εr = 8.5, μr = 1, σ = 0, Ei = 1.5 V and in free space.

Soln. Given Data: Medium 1: εr1 = 8.5, μr1 = 1, σ = 0

Medium 2: µ2 = µ0 ; ε2 = ε0 ; η2 = 377 Ω (Free Space)

Ei = 1.5 V

A. Reflected Electric Field Intensity

B. Transmitted Electric Field Intensity

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 C. Reflected Magnetic Field Intensity

D. Transmitted Magnetic Field Intensity

Q.3(a) What is polarization? Explain different types of polarization in detail [10]

Soln. Refer Que. 2(a)

Q.3(b) Derive the wave equation (Helmholtz equation) for free space in terms of [08]

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 Electric field Intensity

Soln. Wave equation (Helmholtz equation) for free space in terms of Electric field
Intensity:

We know that wave equation for free space in terms of E is given by:

Above Equation in Phasor form can be rewritten as:

Here let us define Phase constant β ; which is given in terms of ω as:

That means;

Therefore we get:

Above equation is Vector Helmholtz equation for Free Space.

Q.4(a) Explain the terms Depth of Penetration and Loss tangent in detail [08]

Soln. Depth of Penetration: If the medium is having very high conductivity (σ); then
when the wave travels through such medium both attenuation and phase constant
will be high. Thus, the wave experiences the attenuation which takes place because
of losses that takes place in the medium.

In case of good conductors, at radio frequencies the rate of attenuation

is very high; Because of this attenuation the input is reduced to a small percentage
of its initial strength. Thus, the wave penetrates to a very short distance in the

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conductors. The depth to which wave penetrates is called as Skin Depth or Depth
of Penetration.

Definition: It is defined as the depth where the Electric field of the wave is

attenuated by amount 1/e or approximately to 37 % of its initial

value.

Consider a wave propagating in ‘z’ direction; Then the magnitude of Electric Field is
given by:

E = E0 e -αz ………….. Equation 1

Where E0 = Maximum value of Electric Field strength

At z = 0; i.e at the surface of the conductor

Ex(0) = E0 e -α(0)

Ex(0) = E0 ………….. Equation 2

At z = z1 = 1/α

Ex = E0 e -α(1/ α) = E0 e -1

Ex = E0 (1/e) ………….. Equation 3

Equation 3 shows that amplitude of Electric Field reduces by 1/e times its value at
the surface. So, according to the definition the distance ‘1/α’ is called as Depth of
Penetration.

Loss Tangent: Loss tangent (tan(δ)) is a measure of signal loss as the signal
propagates down the transmission line. It provides an alternative way to quantify
the effect of loss on the electromagnetic field within a material.

Considering the second Maxwell’s Equation in Time Varying Electromagnetic Fields:

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 Rewriting the above Equation in harmonically time varying fields as:

In Phasor domain, the total current is the sum of Conduction current and the
displacement current. The angle δ in the figure above is given by:

The quantity tanδ is referred to as the Loss Tangent. Note that loss tangent is zero
for a lossless (σ=0) material, and increases with increasing loss.

A material having large loss tangent due to ohmic loss might become hot when a
large electric field is applied

Q.4(b) Derive the parameters of propagation constant, phase constant, intrinsic [10]
impedance and velocity for free space medium

Soln. A. Propagation Constant: The propagation constant of a

sinusoidal electromagnetic wave is a measure of the change undergone by
the amplitude and phase of the wave as it propagates in a given direction.
The propagation constant itself measures the dimensionless change in
magnitude or phase per unit length. In the context of two-port networks and
their cascades, propagation constant measures the change undergone by the
source quantity as it propagates from one port to the next. The propagation
constant is a complex term comprises of attenuation and phase constant.
The real part of the propagation constant is considered as attenuation
constant and the imaginary part as phase constant.

The quantity being measured can be the voltage, the current in a circuit, or a
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 field vector such as electric field strength or flux density. It is given as:

Furthermore;

Where α = Attenuation Constant measured in Nepers / km

β = Phase Constant measured in rad / km

B. Phase Constant: Phase constant refers to a constant value in the phase of a

wave, which determines the speed at which points of constant phase move
in the wave. In electromagnetic theory, the phase constant, also called phase
change constant, parameter or coefficient is the imaginary component of the
propagation constant for a plane wave. It represents the change in phase per
unit length along the path travelled by the wave at any instant and is equal
to the real part of the angular wavenumber of the wave. It is represented by
the symbol β and is measured in units of radians per unit length.
It is given by:

C. Intrinsic Impedance: When an electromagnetic wave propagates through

free space, it encounters the characteristic impedance of the free space,
called intrinsic impedance (η). Intrinsic impedance describes the magnitude
of the magnetic and electric fields present in the free space. The derivation
of the intrinsic impedance of any uniform medium is dependent on the
permittivity and permeability of the medium. When the conductivity of the
medium varies, the intrinsic impedance also changes. In general, the
intrinsic impedance or wave intrinsic impedance of an electromagnetic wave
traveling through a medium can be given by the ratio of its electric to
magnetic field intensities, that is, E/H. For a uniform plane wave traveling in
a given medium, E/H is a constant and provides the impedance. The units of
E and H are V/m and A/m, respectively. Taking the ratio of E/H, the unit is
Volts/ Ampere which is equal to Ohms.

The intrinsic impedance of the medium is given by:

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 The Intrinsic impedance of free space is:

D. Velocity for Free Space: It is the speed with which an EM propagates

through the medium. It depends on the density of the medium. For free
space the velocity of an electromagnetic wave is equal to the speed of light.
Velocity of a wave is further classified as:

a. Phase Velocity

b. Group Velocity

In general, the velocity of wave is given by equation:

For Free Space velocity of a wave is given by:

Q.5(a) Explain Snell’s Law of refraction. Derive the same. [10]

Soln. Snell’s Law: Snell's law (also known as the law of refraction) is a formula used to
describe the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction, when
referring to light or other waves passing through a boundary between two
different isotropic media, such as water, glass, or air.

The law states that, “For a given pair of media, the ratio of the sines of angle of
incidence (θi) and angle of refraction (θr) is equal to the refractive index of the
second medium with regards to the first (n21) which is equal to the ratio of
(n2/n1) of the two media”.

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As the propagation vectors lies in same plane so:

Where θi and θr are angle of incidence and angle of refraction respectively.

If the medium is lossless then;

Rewritting Equation 1 we get;

Substituting for Ki and Kr in Equation 2 we get;

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 Multiplying and dividing by ‘c’ to the L.H.S of Equation 5;

Where n1 and n2 are the refractive indices of medium 1 and 2 respectively.

Equation 9 above satisfies and justifies Snell’s Law of refraction.

Q.5(b) Explain the reflection of Uniform Plane Waves. [08]

Soln. Reflection of Uniform Plane Waves by Ideal Conductor:

If the plane wave in the air is incident normally on to the surface of a perfect
conductor; then the wave will be totally reflected. This phenomenon is called as
“Total Internal Reflection”. This happens because for the time varying fields E and
H does not exist in perfect conductors. So none of the energy will be transmitted i.e
there will be total reflection of the incident wave.

Explanation:

Consider an Electromagnetic wave propagating in ‘z’ direction. Then the total

Electric and Magnetic field strength can be mathematically expressed as :

A. Electric Field Strength

Thus, the incident component of this wave is given as:

Ei = Eie-jβz …………. Equation 1

If this wave strikes the perfect conductor with normal incidence then this wave will
be reflected back. The reflected component of the wave will be given as:

Er= Erejβz …………. Equation 2

Assuming the wave is incident on a perfect conductor located in plane z = 0. Now for
a perfect conductor total field strength within the conductor is zero. i.e Et = 0.

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 Et = Ei + Er = 0 …………. Equation 3

That means we can have the relation between reflected and the incident component
as : Er = -Ei

So accordingly, Equation 3 can be written as:

Et = Eie-jβz + Erejβz …………. Equation 4

Et = Eie-jβz - Eiejβz

Et = Ei (e-jβz - ejβz) …………. Equation 5

Using Trigonometric relation for e-jβz and for ejβz in Equation 5

Et(z) = Ei [(Cosβz – j Sinβz) – (Cosβz + j Sinβz)] …………. Equation 6

Et(z) = Ei [(Cosβz – j Sinβz– Cosβz + j Sinβz)]

Et(z) = -2jEi Sinβz

ET(z,t) = Re [(Et(z) )ejωt]

ET(z,t) = Re [(-2jEi Sinβz)ejωt]

ET(z,t) = Re [(-2jEi Sinβz)(Cos ωt + jSin ωt)]

= Re (-2jEi Sinβz Cos ωt + 2 Ei SinβzSin ωt)

ET(z,t) = 2 Ei SinβzSin ωt …………. Equation 7

Equation 7 above gives the Electric Field Strength of an uniform plane wave
incident on perfect conductor.

B. Magnetic Field Strength

As stated earlier the phase of the electric field is reversed for the reflected field a s
compared to the incident field. Because of phase reversal we get zero resultant field.
Also, the direction of wave propagation which is given by (E X H) must also be
reversed. To reverse the direction of wave propagation either direction of E or H has
to be reversed; As we have already reversed the direction of E so direction of H
cannot be reversed.

Thus, the incident component of this wave is given as:

Hi = Hie-jβz …………. Equation 1

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 If this wave strikes the perfect conductor with normal incidence then this wave will
be reflected back. The reflected component of the wave will be given as:

Hr= Hrejβz …………. Equation 2

As there is no phase reversal so; Hr = Hi

Ht = Hie-jβz + Hrejβz …………. Equation 4

Ht = Hie-jβz + Hiejβz

Ht = Hi (e-jβz + ejβz) …………. Equation 5

Using Trigonometric relation for e-jβz and for ejβz in Equation 5

Ht(z) = Hi [(Cosβz – j Sinβz) + (Cosβz + j Sinβz)] …………. Equation 6

Ht(z) = Hi [(Cosβz – j Sinβz + Cosβz + j Sinβz)]

Ht(z) = 2Hi Cosβz

HT(z,t) = Re [(Ht(z) )ejωt]

HT(z,t) = Re [(2Hi Cosβz)ejωt]

HT(z,t) = Re [(2Hi Cosβz) (Cos ωt + jSin ωt)]

HT(z,t) = Re [(2Hi Cosβz Cos ωt + j 2Hi Cosβz Sin ωt)]

HT(z,t) = 2Hi Cosβz Cos ωt …………. Equation 7

Equation 7 above gives the Magnetic Field Strength of an uniform plane wave
incident on perfect conductor.

Q.6(a) Define depth of penetration? Derive the expression for depth of penetration (08)
for good conductor.

Soln. Refer Q. 4(a) for the explanation of depth of penetration

Expression for Depth of Penetration for Good Conductors:

Consider a wave travelling in z- direction then one of the components of Electric

Field of the wave will be given by:

Ex = Ex0e-αz Cos (ωt – βz) ………… Equation 1

For Good conductors α and β are equal and is given by:

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 Substituting the value of α and β in Equation 1

According to the depth of penetration at the distance z = 1/α we get the reduction of
approximately 37 %.

So, comparing the terms in Equation 3 with standard equation for skin depth.

Above equation gives the skin depth for Good Conductors.

Q.6(b) Define [10]

i) Phase Velocity

ii) Group Velocity

iii) Propagation Constant

iv) Intrinsic Impedance

v) Wavelength

Soln. Refer Q. 4(b) for Propagation Constant, Intrinsic Impedance

1. Phase Velocity: The rate at which the phase of a wave propagates through
space is known as its phase velocity. The phase of any one frequency
component of the wave moves at this velocity. Any phase of the wave (for
example, the crest) will appear to travel at the phase velocity when such a
component is present. The main focus of phase velocity is on a wave’s
particular features. The crest and trough are the two most important aspects
of a wave. The Phase Velocity is the velocity of any of these components as
they propagate through space. Because the Phase Velocity is proportional to
the wave’s phase, it is highly dependent on the wavelength and time period.
The formula of phase velocity is given as:

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 2. Group Velocity: The velocity of a group of waves is referred to as group
velocity. A packet of waves is formed when the complete envelope of a wave
moves rather than a single wave. The Group Velocity refers to the speed at
which this packet moves. Sound waves, water waves, and other types of
waves are only a few instances of a packet of waves travelling at the same
time. As a result, Group Velocity is calculated at the same time. The formula
of group velocity is given as:

3. Wavelength: Wavelength is the distance between corresponding points of

two consecutive waves. “Corresponding points” refers to two points or
particles in the same phase—i.e., points that have completed identical
fractions of their periodic motion. Usually, in transverse waves (waves with
points oscillating at right angles to the direction of their advance),
wavelength is measured from crest to crest or from trough to trough;
in longitudinal waves (waves with points vibrating in the same direction as
their advance), it is measured from compression to compression or from
rarefaction to rarefaction. Wavelength is usually denoted by the Greek letter
lambda (λ). It is given by:

Q.7(a) Find the skin depth of frequency 1.6 MHz in aluminum whose σ = 38.2 Ms/m [08]
and, μr = 1. Also find propagation constant and wave velocity.

Soln. Given Data: Frequency: 1.6 MHz

µr = 1

σ = 38.2 Ms/m

1) Skin Depth (δ)

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 2) Propagation Constant (γ)

As propagation constant is given by: γ = α + jβ

Also; for Good Conductors α = β = 1/δ

γ = 15.53 x 103 + j 15.53 x 103 / m

3) Wave Velocity (v)

Q.7(b) Derive the wave equation for free space in terms of Electric Field intensity. [08]

Soln. Refer Que. 1(a)

Q.8(a) For Uniform Plane Waves explain depth of penetration. [08]

Soln. Refer Q. 4(a) for the explanation of depth of penetration

Q.8(b) For Uniform Plane Waves explain the term Snell’s Law [08]

Soln. Refer Q. 5(a) for the explanation of Snell’s Law

Q.9(a) Derive the Helmholtz equation in terms of electric field intensity and [08]
magnetic field intensity for the charge free region

Soln. Refer Q. 3(b) for the Helmholtz equation in terms of electric field intensity.

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 Helmholtz equation in terms of magnetic field intensity.

We know that wave equation for free space in terms of E is given by:

Above Equation in Phasor form can be rewritten as:

Here let us define Phase constant β ; which is given in terms of ω as:

That means;

Therefore we get:

Q.9(b) A 9.375 GHz uniform plane wave is propagating in a polyethylene with [10]
εr = 2.26, μr = 1. If the amplitude of electric field intensity is 500 V/m and the
material is assumed to be lossless, Find:

i) The phase constant

ii) The wavelength in the polyethylene

iii) The velocity of propagation

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 iv) The intrinsic impedance

v) The amplitude of magnetic field intensity

Soln. Given Data: Frequency: 9.375 GHz

µr = 1

εr = 2.26

E = 500 V/m

1) Phase Constant

2) Wavelength

3) Velocity

4) Intrinsic Impedance

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 5) Amplitude of Magnetic Field Intensity

Q.10(a) Define the terms: Phase Velocity, Group Velocity, Propagation Constant, [08]
Wavelength and Intrinsic Impedance

Soln. Refer Q. 6(b)

Q.10(b) Derive the expression for reflection coefficient and transmission coefficient [10]
for normal incidence of uniform plane wave.

Soln. Reflection and Transmission with normal incidence at other dielectric:

Medium 1 Medium 2
Incident Wave

Transmitted Wave

μ1 ε1 η1

Reflected Wave μ2 ε2 η2

As shown in the above figure when a wave travels from one dielectric medium to
another dielectric medium; Due to the properties of dielectric whole wave is not
transmitted rather some energy of the wave is reflected back to the medium. This
raises two important concepts:

a. Reflection Coefficient: Amount of wave reflected back to the source.

b. Transmission Coefficient: Amount of wave transmitted into medium 2.

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 Reflection and Transmission Coefficient for Electric Field

A) Reflection Coefficient:

From the fig above following field components can be obtained:

Also we can have:

Et = Ei + Er …………. Equation 1
Ht = Hi + Hr …………. Equation 2
From Equation 2

Also from Equation 1

Equating Equation 4 and Equation 6

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B) Transmission Coefficient:

Reflection and Transmission Coefficient for Magnetic Field

A) Reflection Coefficient:

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B) Transmission Coefficient:

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