For a plane electromagnetic wave propagating in the x-direction, which one of the following combinations gives the correct possible directions for the electric field (E) and magnetic field (B) respectively?
A
j^+k^,−j^−k^
B
−j^+k^,−j^+k^
C
j^+k^,j^+k^
D
−j^+k^,−j^−k^
Step-by-Step Solution
In an electromagnetic wave, the electric field (E), magnetic field (B), and the direction of propagation (k) are mutually perpendicular. The direction of propagation is given by the direction of the cross product E×B.
Given that the wave propagates in the x-direction (i^), we must satisfy two conditions:
Orthogonality:E⋅B=0 (Fields must be perpendicular).
Direction:E×B must be parallel to i^.
Testing Option D:
Let E=−j^+k^ and B=−j^−k^.
Dot Product:E⋅B=(−1)(−1)+(1)(−1)=1−1=0.
The fields are perpendicular.
Cross Product:E×B=i^00j^−1−1k^1−1=i^((−1)(−1)−(1)(−1))−j^(0)+k^(0)=i^(1+1)=2i^.
The result is along the +i^ direction (x-direction).
Other options fail either the orthogonality check (dot product =0) or the direction check.
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