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Question

An electromagnetic wave has


A

electric vector only

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B

magnetic vector only

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C

electric and magnetic vectors perpendicular to each other

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D

Neither the electric vector nor the magnetic vector

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Solution

The correct option is C

electric and magnetic vectors perpendicular to each other


The explanation for the correct answer:

(C) electric and magnetic vectors perpendicular to each other

In an electromagnetic wave, the time-varying electric and magnetic fields are mutually perpendicular to each other and also perpendicular to the direction of the propagation of this wave.

The explanation for the incorrect answer:

A) electric vector only

Light is an electromagnetic wave. Electric and magnetic fields oscillate at some characteristic frequency while traveling at the speed of light. These fields have a magnitude, phase, and direction.

B) magnetic vector only

A magnetic field is a vector field that describes the magnetic influence on moving electric charges, electric currents, and magnetic materials. A moving charge in a magnetic field experiences a force perpendicular to its own velocity and to the magnetic field.

D) Neither the electric vector nor the magnetic vector

Electromagnetic waves contain both electric and magnetic fields that change or oscillate. The electric field vector E is always perpendicular to the magnetic field vector B. BothEand Bare perpendicular to the propagation direction of the wave.

Hence, option (c) is the correct.


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