The oscillating electric and magnetic vectors of an electromagnetic wave are oriented along

Options

A. the same direction and in phase
B. the same direction but have a phase difference of `90^(@)`
C. mutually perpendicular direction and are in phase
D. mutually perpendicular direction but has a phase difference of `90^(@)`

Answer

To solve the question regarding the orientation of the oscillating electric and magnetic vectors of an electromagnetic wave, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Electromagnetic Waves**:
Electromagnetic (EM) waves consist of oscillating electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields. These fields propagate through space and are fundamental to the nature of light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation.

2. **Direction of Propagation**:
The direction of propagation of an electromagnetic wave is typically represented as a vector. For our analysis, we can assume the wave is propagating in the x-direction.

3. **Orientation of Electric and Magnetic Fields**:
The electric field vector (E) is oriented along one axis (let's say the y-axis), while the magnetic field vector (B) is oriented along a perpendicular axis (the z-axis). Thus, we have:
- E field along the y-axis
- B field along the z-axis
- Propagation direction along the x-axis

4. **Mutual Perpendicularity**:
From the above orientations, it is clear that the electric and magnetic fields are mutually perpendicular to each other and also to the direction of wave propagation. This means:
- E ⊥ B
- E ⊥ Direction of propagation
- B ⊥ Direction of propagation

5. **Phase Relationship**:
Both the electric and magnetic fields oscillate sinusoidally and reach their maximum and minimum values at the same time. This indicates that they are in phase with each other. Therefore, when the electric field is at zero, the magnetic field is also at zero, and when the electric field reaches its maximum, the magnetic field reaches its maximum simultaneously.

6. **Conclusion**:
Given that the electric and magnetic vectors are mutually perpendicular and in phase, the correct answer to the question is:
- **Option 3: Mutually perpendicular direction and are in phase.**