Consider the following two statements regarding a linearly polarized, plane electromagnetic wave:
The electric field and the magnetic field have equal average values.
The electric energy and the magnetic energy have equal average values.

Options

A. Both A and B are correct
B. Both A and B are incorrect
C. A is correct but B is incorrect
D. A is incorrect but B is correct

Answer

A

Explanation

Total energy is equally divided between electric and magnetic field. Hence, electric energy and magnetic energy both have same average values in electromagnetic wave. Although electric field and magnetic field both are different entities but their average values are zero in electromagnetic wave and hence we can say that avaerage value of electric field is same as average value of magnetic field .