Examine the following two statements concerning a linearly polarized, plane electromagnetic wave: (A) The electric field and the magnetic field possess equal average values. (B) The electric energy and the magnetic energy possess equal average values.

Step-by-step solution

Statement A: The electric field and magnetic field have different dimensions, so their values cannot be equated. Moreover, their amplitudes are related by E₀ = cB₀ , meaning their magnitudes are not equal. Hence, Statement A is incorrect. Statement B: The average electric energy density is given by u_E = 1 4 ₀ E₀^2 . The average magnetic energy density is given by u_B = B₀^2 4 ₀ . Using E₀ = cB₀ and c = 1 ₀ ₀ , we get: u_E = 1 4 ₀ (cB₀)^2 = 1 4 ₀ ( 1 ₀ ₀ ) B₀^2 = B₀^2 4 ₀ = u_B Thus, the average electric energy and