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NEET PHYSICSEasy

Which of the following statements is false for the properties of electromagnetic waves?

A

Both electric and magnetic field vectors attain the maxima and minima at the same place and the same time

B

The energy in an electromagnetic wave is divided equally between electric and magnetic vectors

C

Both electric and magnetic field vectors are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave

D

These waves do not require any material medium for propagation

Step-by-Step Solution

Electromagnetic waves are transverse in nature. According to the electromagnetic theory:

  1. The oscillating electric field (E\mathbf{E}) and magnetic field (B\mathbf{B}) are perpendicular to each other and both are perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave . Therefore, the statement that they are parallel to each other is false.
  2. Both fields oscillate in phase, meaning they attain their maxima and minima at the same place and time.
  3. Electromagnetic waves do not require any material medium for propagation and can travel through a vacuum .
  4. The energy associated with the electromagnetic wave is shared equally between the electric and magnetic fields.
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