General Science • PhysicsHard

In the propagation of electromagnetic waves through a vacuum, the instantaneous electric field vector and magnetic field vector are related by which fundamental geometric and physical orientation?

A. They are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation

B. They are mutually perpendicular to each other and both are parallel to the direction of wave propagation

C. They are mutually perpendicular to each other and both are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation✓ Correct Answer

D. They oscillate in opposite phase with arbitrary angular orientations depending on the source frequency

💡 Solution & Explanation

Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves consisting of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are mutually perpendicular to each other and also perpendicular to the direction of energy propagation. The cross product of the electric field vector and magnetic field vector points in the direction of wave propagation. The ratio of the magnitudes of the electric field to the magnetic field equals the speed of light in a vacuum. Longitudinal wave propagation does not occur in pure electromagnetic radiation.

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In the propagation of electromagnetic waves through a vacuum, the instantaneous electric field vector and magnetic field vector are related by which fundamental geometric and physical orientation?

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