Question

A plane electromagnetic wave propagates along the \( +x \) direction in free space. The components of the electric field \( \vec{E} \) and magnetic field \( \vec{B} \) vectors associated with the wave in Cartesian frame are:

• A. \( E_x, B_x \)
• B. \( E_y, B_z \)
• C. \( E_z, B_y \)
• D. \( E_x, B_y \)

Hint:

In electromagnetic waves, the electric field, magnetic field, and direction of propagation are always mutually perpendicular to each other.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

For a plane electromagnetic wave propagating along the \( +x \) direction, the electric field \( \vec{E} \) and magnetic field \( \vec{B} \) are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation. The direction of propagation is along the \( x \)-axis, so the electric field is along the \( y \)-axis and the magnetic field is along the \( z \)-axis. Hence, the correct components of the electric and magnetic fields are \( E_y \) and \( B_z \), respectively.
Therefore, the correct answer is \( \boxed{E_y, B_z} \).