The direction of propagation of an electromagnetic waves 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
In an electromagnetic wave, the electric field, magnetic field, and direction of propagation are mutually perpendicular. Thus the propagation direction is perpendicular to both fields. The likely wrong choice is a or c, which mentions only one perpendicular relationship and misses the complete condition.
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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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