Question

An electromagnetic wave is travelling in vertically upward direction. At an instant, its electric field vector points in west direction. In which direction does the magnetic field vector point at that instant?

Hint:

The direction of the magnetic field in an electromagnetic wave is determined by the right-hand rule, which ensures it is perpendicular to both the electric field and the direction of propagation.

Answer 1

The electric field (\( \mathbf{E} \)) and magnetic field (\( \mathbf{B} \)) vectors in an electromagnetic wave are mutually perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation. If the wave is traveling vertically upward, and the electric field points towards the west, the magnetic field must point in the north direction, following the right-hand rule. Thus, the magnetic field vector points towards the north.