On the vector solutions of Maxwell equations in spherical coordinate systems

The Maxwell equations for the spherical components of the electromagnetic fields outside sources do not separate into equations for each component alone. We show, however, that general solutions can be obtained by separation of variables in the case of azimuthal symmetry. Boundary conditions are easier to apply to these solutions, and their forms highlight the similarities and differences between the electric and magnetic cases in both time-independent and time-dependent situations. Instructive examples of direct calculation of electric and magnetic fields from localized charge and current distributions are presented.