Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsElectromagnetic Waves
A certain region contains an electric field E and a magnetic field B that are not mutually perpendicular.
Options
- AAn electromagnetic wave is definitely travelling through this region.
- BThis situation is impossible.
- CAn electromagnetic wave might be travelling through this region.
- DNo electromagnetic wave is travelling through this region.
Correct answer
C. An electromagnetic wave might be travelling through this region.
Step-by-step solution
In an electromagnetic wave, the oscillating electric and magnetic fields are always mutually perpendicular. However, a region can contain static electric and magnetic fields that are not mutually perpendicular. By the principle of superposition, an electromagnetic wave can propagate through such a region. The net electric and magnetic fields in this region will be the vector sum of the static fields and the time-varying fields of the electromagnetic wave. As a result, the net fields may not be mutually perpendicula