The electric and magnetic field of an electromagnetic wave are (A) in phase and perpendicular to each other (B) in phase and parallel to each other (C) in opposite phase and perpendicular to each other (D) in opposite phase and parallel to each other

Short Answer

Expert verified
The electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave are in phase and perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the correct answer is (A) in phase and perpendicular to each other.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the properties of electromagnetic waves

Electromagnetic waves are waves that consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields, which are perpendicular to each other and the direction of wave propagation. The electric field (E-field) and magnetic field (B-field) in an electromagnetic wave always maintain a fixed phase relationship.
02

Analyze the phase relationship between the electric and magnetic fields

In an electromagnetic wave, the electric and magnetic fields oscillate sinusoidally and are always in phase with one another. This means that their peaks and troughs occur simultaneously, and the phase difference between them is zero.
03

Analyze the direction relationship between the electric and magnetic fields

In an electromagnetic wave, the electric field and the magnetic field are always perpendicular to each other. This is because the wave propagates in the direction that is perpendicular to both fields. If they were parallel, it would contradict the nature of electromagnetic waves.
04

Choose the correct answer based on the analysis

Based on our analysis in Steps 2 and 3, we know that the electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave are in phase and perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the correct answer is: (A) in phase and perpendicular to each other.

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