Skip to content
I. Multiple Choice Questions · Q6

Q.The electric and the magnetic fields, associated with an electromagnetic wave, propagating along negative X axis can be represented by

(a) E⃗=E0i^, B⃗=B0k^\vec{E}=E_0\hat{i},\ \vec{B}=B_0\hat{k}
(b) E⃗=E0k^, B⃗=B0j^\vec{E}=E_0\hat{k},\ \vec{B}=B_0\hat{j}
(c) E⃗=E0i^, B⃗=B0j^\vec{E}=E_0\hat{i},\ \vec{B}=B_0\hat{j}
(d) E⃗=E0j^, B⃗=B0i^\vec{E}=E_0\hat{j},\ \vec{B}=B_0\hat{i}
Tamil Nadu DgeTextbookSubjectiveImportance★★★★★
40% · 21/52 Questions
🔒 Locked · start free trial →

You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.

Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →

Step 1. For an electromagnetic wave, the direction of propagation is given by E⃗×B⃗\vec E\times\vec B (with E⃗\vec E, B⃗\vec B and the propagation direction mutually perpendicular, forming a right-handed set).

Step 2. The wave here propagates along the negative X axis, i.e. along −i^-\hat i, so we need the option whose E⃗×B⃗\vec E\times\vec B points along −i^-\hat i.

Step 3. Testing option (b): E⃗=E0k^\vec E=E_0\hat k, B⃗=B0j^\vec B=B_0\hat j, so E⃗×B⃗∝k^×j^=−(j^×k^)=−i^\vec E\times\vec B \propto \hat k\times\hat j=-(\hat j\times\hat k)=-\hat i. This matches the required −x-x propagation direction. …

Unlock everything free for 14 days

  • Full step-by-step solutions
  • Concept-first explanations
  • Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
  • PYQ mapping + timed mock tests

Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.