For a plane electromagnetic wave propagating in x-direction, which one of the following combination gives the correct possible directions for electric field (E) and magnetic field (B) respectively?
- - j + k, - j + k
- j + k, j + k
- - j + k, - j - k
- j + k, - j - k
Answer
(3) - j + k, - j - k
Solution
For an EM wave, E B and E B is along the direction of propagation (+ i).
Option (3): E B = (- j+ k) (- j- k) = 1 - 1 = 0 perpendicular
E B = (- j+ k) (- j- k)
= ( j k) - ( k j) = i + i = 2 i along +x
In (1) and (2), E B; in (4), E is antiparallel to B.
Answer: (3)