For a wave moving in the $+y$ direction, the two possible polarizations correspond to
A) $E_{y}$ positive, $E_{y}$ negative $\left(E_{x}=E_{z}=0\right)$.
B) $E_{y}$ nonzero and $E_{z}$ nonzero $\left(E_{x}=0\right.$ ).
C) $E_{x}$ nonzero and $E_{y}$ nonzero $\left(E_{z}=0\right.$ ).
D) $E_{x}$ nonzero and $E_{z}$ nonzero $\left(E_{y}=0\right)$.
E) Some other electric field conditions (specify).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For a wave moving in the $+y$ direction, the electric field ($E$) cannot have a component in the direction of propagation due to the nature of electromagnetic waves. Thus, the two possible polarizations are in the directions perpendicular to the motion, which are $x$ and $z$, making $E_{x}$ nonzero and $E_{z}$ nonzero ($E_{y}=0$) the correct choice.

For a Wave Moving in The +y+y+y Direction, the Two Possible Polarizations Correspond to A)

For a Wave Moving in The $+y$ Direction, the Two Possible Polarizations Correspond to
A)