Final answer:
An electromagnetic wave has its electric field, magnetic field, and direction of propagation mutually perpendicular. The amplitude and frequency are provided, while the wavelength can be calculated. The speed of EM waves in free space is the constant speed of light and independent of frequency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to electromagnetic (EM) waves and requires understanding of several key concepts in physics. The information given describes an EM wave where the electric and magnetic fields are orthogonal to each other and propagate in a direction perpendicular to both fields. Here are the details for the questions posed:
- The amplitude of an EM wave is the maximum value of the electric field (or magnetic field), which in this case is given as 10 V/m.
- The frequency of the wave is the number of oscillations per unit time, already provided as 20 GHz.
- The wavelength (λ) can be calculated using the formula λ = c/f, where c is the speed of light and f is the frequency of the wave.
- The direction of travel of the wave is given as the positive y-axis direction, meaning the wave propagates northward if we assume a standard coordinate system.
- The associated magnetic field wave can be determined using Maxwell's equations, which tell us that the magnetic field (B) is also sinusoidal and orthogonal to both the electric field and the direction of propagation.
According to Maxwell's equations and the right-hand rule, the directions of wave propagation, the electric field (E), and the magnetic field (B) are all mutually perpendicular. The speed of an EM wave in free space is the speed of light, and it is independent of frequency. The magnitude of the electric and magnetic fields in an EM wave is related by E/B = c, where c is the speed of light in a vacuum.