Question

A plane electromagnetic wave propagating along $x$ direction can have the following pairs of $E$ and $B$

• A. $E_x,B_y$
• B. $B_x,E_y$
• C. $E_y,B_z$
• D. $E_z,B_y$

Answer 1

Answer: (C), (D)

$E_z,B_y$

As we know that in an electromagnetic wave the electric and magnetic field are perpendicular to each other, and both are perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.

Therefore, for a wave propagating along $x$ direction the electric and magnetic field can be along $y$ and $z$ axis.

Hence, the possible pairs of $E$ and $B$ would be, $E_z,B_y$ and $E_y,B_z$.

Final Answer: (𝑏),(𝑑)