If an electromagnetic wave has components E_y = E₀ sin(kx

Question

If an electromagnetic wave has components E_y = E₀ sin(kx - ωt)and B_z = B₀ sin(kx - ωt),in what direction is it traveling? A) -x B) +x C) +y D) -y E) +z

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The wave equation given is a standard 1D wave traveling in the x direction. The electric and magnetic fields are in the y and z direction respectively, but this does not indicate the direction of wave propagation. The direction of wave propagation is given by the phase velocity which is given by the ratio of the electric field amplitude to the magnetic field amplitude: v = E/B = E₀/B₀ = c. Therefore, the wave is traveling in the +x direction.

If an Electromagnetic Wave Has Components Ey = E0 Sin(kx