Can an electromagnetic wave be deflected by an electric field? By a magnetic field ?

Answer

To determine whether an electromagnetic wave can be deflected by an electric field or a magnetic field, we can analyze the properties of electromagnetic waves and their interactions with these fields.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Electromagnetic Waves**:
- Electromagnetic waves are oscillations of electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space. They are produced by the acceleration of charged particles.

2. **Nature of Electric and Magnetic Fields**:
- Electric fields exert forces on charged particles, while magnetic fields exert forces on moving charges. However, electromagnetic waves themselves are not charged particles; they are waves composed of electric and magnetic field components.

3. **Interaction with Electric Fields**:
- When an electromagnetic wave travels through an electric field, the electric field does not exert a force on the wave itself. Instead, it interacts with charged particles that may be present in the medium through which the wave is traveling. Thus, the wave continues on its path without deflection.

4. **Interaction with Magnetic Fields**:
- Similarly, when an electromagnetic wave encounters a magnetic field, there is no force acting on the wave itself. The magnetic field can affect charged particles in motion, but it does not cause the wave to change direction.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the properties of electromagnetic waves and their interactions with electric and magnetic fields, we conclude that electromagnetic waves cannot be deflected by either an electric field or a magnetic field. Therefore, the answer to the question is: No, an electromagnetic wave cannot be deflected by an electric field or a magnetic field.

### Final Answer:
No, an electromagnetic wave cannot be deflected by either an electric field or a magnetic field.