Depict the variation of electric field ($\vec{E}$) and magnetic field ($\vec{B}$) with respect to the direction of propagation of an electromagnetic wave. Write their two important characteristics.
Show Hint
Remember the right-hand rule for EM waves: The direction of wave propagation is strictly given by the cross product vector $\vec{E} \times \vec{B}$.
Concept: • An electromagnetic (EM) wave consists of time-varying electric and magnetic fields propagating through space.
• These fields behave according to Maxwell's equations and exhibit specific directional and phase relationships.
Step 1: Depict the variation (Diagram placeholder)
Description of the required diagram:
Draw a 3-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, and z axes).
Assume the wave propagates along the positive x-axis.
Draw a sine wave oscillating strictly in the x-y plane to represent the Electric Field ($\vec{E}$).
Draw a second sine wave oscillating strictly in the x-z plane to represent the Magnetic Field ($\vec{B}$).
Ensure that both sine waves cross the x-axis (zero amplitude) at the exact same points and reach their peaks at the exact same points along the x-axis. Step 2: State Two Important Characteristics
1. Transverse Nature: The electric field vector ($\vec{E}$) and the magnetic field vector ($\vec{B}$) are mutually perpendicular to each other, and both are completely perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation (e.g., if propagation is along $\hat{i}$, $\vec{E}$ could be along $\hat{j}$ and $\vec{B}$ along $\hat{k}$).
2. Phase Synchronization: The oscillating electric and magnetic fields are always in identical phase. This means they reach their maximum (peak) values and their minimum (zero) values at the exact same position and instant in time. Step 3: Conclusion
The diagram must show orthogonal oscillations, and the core characteristics are their mutually perpendicular transverse nature and in-phase oscillation.
