Which statement gives the relationship between the waves in the electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave?
a)they are in phase and parrallel to each other in space
b)they are 90 degrees out of phase but parrallel in space
c)they are in phase but perpendicular to each other in space
d)they are 180 degrees out of phase and random in their inclinations to each other
e)they are in phase but opposite in their direction of motion
The answer is (c). E and B in an electromegnetic wave are perpendicular to each other AND to the direction of propagation.
The correct answer is c) they are in phase but perpendicular to each other in space.
To determine the correct answer, you need to understand the relationship between the waves in the electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave.
In an electromagnetic wave, the electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other and propagate in space. The direction of propagation, also known as the direction of motion, is perpendicular to both the electric and magnetic field vectors.
Now, let's examine each statement to find the correct answer:
a) "They are in phase and parallel to each other in space."
This statement is not accurate. The electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave are perpendicular to each other, so they cannot be parallel.
b) "They are 90 degrees out of phase but parallel in space."
This statement is not accurate either. The electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave are not parallel, but rather perpendicular.
c) "They are in phase but perpendicular to each other in space."
This statement is correct. The electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave are indeed perpendicular to each other but are in phase, which means they reach their maximum and minimum values simultaneously.
d) "They are 180 degrees out of phase and random in their inclinations to each other."
This statement is not accurate. The electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave are not randomly inclined to each other. They are specifically perpendicular to each other.
e) "They are in phase but opposite in their direction of motion."
This statement is not accurate. While the electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave are in phase, their direction of motion is the same, not opposite.
Therefore, the correct answer is option c) "They are in phase but perpendicular to each other in space."