Diagram of an electromagnetic wave, showing the electric field (E) and magnetic field (B) components oscillating perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation.
Understand the Problem
The image shows a diagram of an electromagnetic wave. It depicts the electric field (E) and magnetic field (B) components oscillating perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation. The wave originates from an antenna.
Answer
Electromagnetic waves have perpendicular electric and magnetic fields, both perpendicular to the direction of travel.
The electromagnetic wave consists of electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields oscillating perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation.
Answer for screen readers
The electromagnetic wave consists of electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields oscillating perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation.
More Information
Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves. The electric and magnetic fields are in phase.
Tips
It is a common mistake to think that the electric and magnetic fields are out of phase -- when propagating in one direction they are in phase.
Sources
- Production of Electromagnetic Waves | Physics - Lumen Learning - courses.lumenlearning.com
- What is meant by the transverse nature of electromagnetic waves ... - toppr.com
- 16.2 Plane Electromagnetic Waves - University Physics Volume 2 - openstax.org
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