The direction of propagation of an electromagnetic wave is:
Correct answer: B. Perpendicular to both electric and magnetic field
- A. Perpendicular to electric field
- B. Perpendicular to both electric and magnetic field
- C. Perpendicular to magnetic field
- D. Parallel to electric and magnetic field
Explanation
The correct option is (b) because electromagnetic waves consist of both electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation. The electric field, magnetic field, and direction of propagation form a mutually perpendicular set of vectors.- (a) Perpendicular to electric field: This is not correct. The direction of propagation is perpendicular to both the electric and magnetic fields.- (b) Perpendicular to both electric and magnetic field: Correct. The electric and magnetic fields are mutually perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation.- (c) Perpendicular to magnetic field: This is not correct. The direction of propagation is perpendicular to both the electric and magnetic fields.- (d) Parallel to electric and magnetic field: This is not correct. The direction of propagation is perpendicular to both the electric and magnetic fields.So, the correct answer is (b) Perpendicular to both electric and magnetic field.
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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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