An electromagnetic wave consists of:
Correct answer: D. Electric and magnetic fields moving perpendicular to each other
- A. Electric and magnetic fields moving parallel to each other
- B. Magnetic field moving with the velocity of light in space
- C. Electric field moving with the velocity of light
- D. Electric and magnetic fields moving perpendicular to each other
Explanation
An electromagnetic wave is a transverse wave, meaning that the electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. The correct representation is option (d).- (a) Electric and magnetic fields moving parallel to each other: This is not correct. In an electromagnetic wave, the electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation.- (b) Magnetic field moving with the velocity of light in space: This is not correct. Both electric and magnetic fields are present, and they are not separate entities moving independently.- (c) Electric field moving with the velocity of light: This is not correct. The electric and magnetic fields together constitute the electromagnetic wave, and both oscillate as the wave propagates.- (d) Electric and magnetic fields moving perpendicular to each other: Correct. This describes the nature of electromagnetic waves where electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation.So, the correct answer is (d) Electric and magnetic fields moving perpendicular to each other.
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About Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic waves consist of mutually perpendicular, oscillating electric and magnetic fields that also remain perpendicular to the direction of propagation. They travel through vacuum at the speed of light and include radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays. Unlike mechanical waves, they do not require a material medium.
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