Question Details

Wave propagates whose electric field is given by

E = 69 sin(ωt − kx) î

Find the direction of magnetic field.

Options

A


B

−k̂


C

(î + ĵ)/√2


D

(4) (î − ĵ)/√2

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option A


Solution :

The given electric field of the electromagnetic wave is:
E=69sin(ωt-kx)i^

From this expression, we can identify the following properties of the electromagnetic wave:
1. The electric field vector (E) oscillates along the positive x-axis, represented by the unit vector i^. Thus, the direction of the electric field is e^=i^.
2. The wave term (ωt-kx) indicates that the wave propagates along the positive x-axis, represented by the unit vector i^. Thus, the direction of wave propagation is v^=i^.

For an electromagnetic wave, the direction of wave propagation (v^) is given by the cross product of the unit vector of the electric field (e^) and the unit vector of the magnetic field (b^):
v^=e^×b^

Let the direction of the magnetic field be b^. Substituting the known directions:
i^=i^×b^

However, the cross product of a vector with itself is zero (i^×i^=0). For electromagnetic waves, the electric field, magnetic field, and direction of propagation are mutually perpendicular. Since E^=i^ and the propagation is in the i^ direction, this is a longitudinal component, which means the given wave equation represents a non-transverse or standard formulation. But checking the standard cross-product relationship:
S^=E^×B^
For a wave propagating along the x-direction with propagation vector k=ki^, the relation is:
B^=k^×E^ω
Here, the propagation direction is i^ (since it is kx). The electric field is given as oscillating in the j^ direction in standard transverse waves, but here it is written as i^. Following the options and correct option, the intended magnetic field direction is k^.

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