The electric field in a plane electromagnetic wave is given by
Then expression for the corresponding magnetic field is (here subscripts denote the direction of the field) :
Correct Answer :
Solution :
We are given the electric field of a plane electromagnetic wave
In a uniform plane wave propagating in the + x‑direction, the fields are mutually perpendicular and satisfy the relation
where c = 3 × 10⁸ m s⁻¹ is the speed of light in vacuum. The direction of B is given by \(\hat{k}\times\hat{E}\). Since the wave travels along + x, \(\hat{k} = \hat{x}\) and \(\hat{E} = \hat{z}\); therefore \(\hat{x}\times\hat{z} = \hat{y}\). Hence the magnetic field points in the y‑direction:
Substituting the given E‑field amplitude 60 V m⁻¹:
Evaluating the fraction:
Thus the magnetic field expression is
This matches the provided correct option.
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