Question

The angle between polarization plane and direction of propagation of electromagnetic waves is :

• A. 0\(^{\circ}\)
• B. 45\(^{\circ}\)
• C. 90\(^{\circ}\)
• D. 180\(^{\circ}\)

Hint:

Do not confuse the "plane of polarization" with the "plane of vibration". The plane of vibration contains the electric field vector and is perpendicular to the direction of propagation. The plane of polarization contains both the E-field and the direction of propagation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question asks about the fundamental definitions related to the polarization of electromagnetic (EM) waves.
An EM wave is a transverse wave, meaning the electric field vector (\(\vec{E}\)) and magnetic field vector (\(\vec{B}\)) oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
By definition, the plane of polarization is the plane that contains the electric field vector (\(\vec{E}\)) and the direction of propagation of the wave.
The question asks for the angle between the polarization plane and the direction of propagation.
Since the direction of propagation is a vector that lies \textit{within} the plane of polarization by definition, the angle between the direction vector and the plane itself is 0\(^{\circ}\).
Imagine a line drawn on a flat sheet of paper. The angle between the line and the paper is zero. Here, the direction of propagation is the line, and the plane of polarization is the sheet of paper.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The angle between the polarization plane and the direction of propagation is 0\(^{\circ}\).