148k views
1 vote
The magnetic and electric fields of an electromagnetic wave are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of the waves.

a) True
b) False

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave are indeed perpendicular to each other and to the direction of the wave, confirming the statement as true.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that the magnetic and electric fields of an electromagnetic wave are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of the wave is true. In an electromagnetic wave, the electric field (E) and magnetic field (B) oscillate in phase and are always perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, both these fields are also perpendicular to the direction of the wave's propagation. This configuration illustrates that electromagnetic waves are transverse waves, with the oscillations of E and B fields occurring in planes orthogonal to the direction of energy transport.

User Sergio Lucero
by
8.1k points