Practice question · Select all that apply
Which statements about electromagnetic plane waves in vacuum are correct?
Hints
- Three describe the transverse structure; one contradicts the wave equation in vacuum.
- The equations were derived for empty space.
Show the answer
- B. The electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other
- C. The field amplitudes are related by E equals c times B
- D. Both fields are perpendicular to the direction of propagation
Why
The wave is transverse with mutually perpendicular fields and . It needs no medium, the wave equation was derived in vacuum, which is what killed the luminiferous aether.
Practise Maxwell’s Equations and Electromagnetic Waves
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