2002 AIPMT Electromagnetic WavesNature of electromagnetic waves Easy Question 3 of 3 in Nature of electromagnetic waves

The velocity of electromagnetic wave is parallel to : -

A $\vec{B} \times \vec{E}$
B $\vec{E} \times \vec{B}$
C $\vec{E}$
D $\vec{B}$

The answer is B.

Solution

In an electromagnetic wave, $\vec{E}$ and $\vec{B}$ are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation.
The direction of propagation (and of energy flow, the Poynting vector) is along $\vec{E} \times \vec{B}$.

Example: if $\vec{E}$ is along $\hat{i}$ and $\vec{B}$ along $\hat{j}$, the wave travels along $\hat{i} \times \hat{j} = \hat{k}$.
So the velocity of an electromagnetic wave is parallel to $\vec{E} \times \vec{B}$.

Concept Direction of propagation

Nature of electromagnetic waves in past papers

3 questions from this chapter have appeared across 3 exam years.