On 1 Mar, 20:40, Gene Fuller wrote:
Cecil Moore wrote:
Gene Fuller wrote:

Why is it "obvious" that standing waves cannot exist without coherent
traveling waves?

Please draw us a picture of an example where standing
waves exist without a foundation of coherent traveling
waves. Here's a little help from Hecht of "Optics" fame.

[ It's all math, not physical truth. You still cling to the mistaken
notion that there is something more fundamental about traveling waves
than standing waves. That is simply nonsense. ]





(quote)
E(x,t)=2E0t*sin(kx)*cos(wt)

This is the equation for a *standing wave*, as opposed
to a traveling wave. Its profile does not move through
space; it is clearly not of the (traveling wave) form
f(x +/- vt) ...

Let the phasor E1 represent a (traveling) wave to the
left, and E2 a (traveling) wave to the right. ... (The
sum) doesn't rotate at all, and the resultant wave it
represents doesn't progress through space - it's a
standing wave.
(end quote)

Sure is hard to sweep the facts under the transmission
line rug when the EM waves are in empty space, huh?

Have you ever tried working out the mathematical details of the wave
equation when loaded with a standing wave trial solution? Did it
explode or otherwise fail? (Hint, the answer should be "no".)

Of course the answer is "no". Have you ever tried generating
a standing wave in the complete absence of traveling waves
in opposite directions? Exactly how did you do it?

The question of standing waves or traveling waves is purely one of
mathematical convenience.

Of course, that is a copout unrelated to reality. I concede
that you can perform miracles within your own mind.

The physical phenomena are identical regardless of your choice.

This from the man who asserted that standing wave phase is
meaningless (with which I agree). Point is that traveling
wave phase is NOT meaningless.

[ Oh, yes it IS meaningless, when the traveling waves are exactly the
components of a standing wave. ]

So which is it?

Cecil,

You still choose not to "get it", and I don't plan to engage in a
marathon thread. Nothing has changed for a long time. I will hold to my
previous post 100%. I don't know Prof. Hecht, but I am confident he
would agree with me completely.

73,
Gene
W4SZ- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -





Darn it !
All those degrees in his possesion and all we get is a belching black
smoke column. It's going to be another long night Cecil!


Art