The electric and magnetic field of an electromagnetic wave are:

Options

A. in opposite phase and perpendicular to each other
B. in opposite phase and parallel to each other
C. in phase and perpendicular to each other
D. in phase and parallel to each other.

Answer

To solve the question regarding the electric and magnetic fields of an electromagnetic wave, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Nature of Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields that propagate through space. These fields are fundamentally different from mechanical waves, as they do not require a medium to travel.

**Hint:** Remember that electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum, unlike sound waves which need a medium.

### Step 2: Identify the Orientation of the Fields
In an electromagnetic wave, the electric field and the magnetic field are oriented perpendicular to each other. If we consider the direction of wave propagation, the electric field is usually represented as oscillating in one plane, while the magnetic field oscillates in a plane that is perpendicular to the electric field.

**Hint:** Visualize the E and B fields as two arrows at right angles to each other, with the direction of wave propagation being perpendicular to both.

### Step 3: Determine the Phase Relationship
The electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave oscillate in phase with each other. This means that when the electric field reaches its maximum value, the magnetic field also reaches its maximum value at the same time, and they both return to zero simultaneously.

**Hint:** Think of both fields as synchronized waves; when one peaks, the other does too.

### Step 4: Conclusion
From the above observations, we conclude that:
- The electric field (E) and magnetic field (B) are perpendicular to each other.
- They are in phase with each other.

Thus, the answer to the question is that the electric and magnetic fields of an electromagnetic wave are perpendicular to each other and oscillate in phase.

**Final Answer:** The electric and magnetic fields of an electromagnetic wave are perpendicular to each other and in phase.