the relationship between the propaganation of an electromagnetic wave and the direction of its electric and magnetic fields are that they are,
a) perpendicular to each other and parallel to the direction of propagation
b) parallel to each other and perpendictular to the direction of propagation
c) perpendiculat to each other and perpendicular to the direction of propagation
correct option - (C)
The correct answer is option b) parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
To determine this relationship, you can refer to the electromagnetic wave theory proposed by James Clerk Maxwell. According to Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are interrelated. These fields are perpendicular to each other and also perpendicular to the direction in which the wave propagates.
Here's a step-by-step explanation on how to arrive at the correct answer:
1. Consider an electromagnetic wave, such as light, moving through space.
2. Maxwell's equations describe the behavior of electric and magnetic fields in these waves.
3. One of Maxwell's equations, known as Faraday's law, states that a changing magnetic field induces an electric field perpendicular to it.
4. Similarly, another equation, called Ampere's law, suggests that a changing electric field gives rise to a magnetic field perpendicular to it.
5. Combining these two laws, it becomes clear that the electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other.
6. Using the right-hand rule, you can determine the orientation of the fields. If you extend your right-hand fingers along the direction of the electric field and curl them towards the direction of the magnetic field, your thumb will point in the direction of propagation.
Hence, the correct relationship is that the electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction of propagation (option b).