Question

The phase difference between electric field \( \vec{E} \) and magnetic field \( \vec{B} \) in an electromagnetic wave propagating along the z-axis is:

• A. Zero
• B. \( \pi \)
• C. \( \frac{\pi}{2} \)
• D. \( \frac{\pi}{4} \)

Hint:

In an electromagnetic wave, the electric and magnetic fields are in phase, meaning they reach their peaks and troughs at the same time.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Electromagnetic Wave Propagation:
- In an electromagnetic wave, the electric field \( \vec{E} \) and the magnetic field \( \vec{B} \) oscillate perpendicularly to each other and to the direction of propagation.
- The wave equations for the electric and magnetic fields are given by:\[E = E_0 \cos(kz - \omega t)\]\[B = B_0 \cos(kz - \omega t)\]- Both fields exhibit in-phase oscillation, reaching maximum and minimum values concurrently.
- The shared phase term \( (kz - \omega t) \) indicates a zero phase difference between \( \vec{E} \) and \( \vec{B} \).
Therefore, the correct answer is Zero.