A beam of light is propagating in the x direction.The electric-field vector
A)can oscillate in any arbitrary direction in space.
B)must oscillate in the z direction.
C)must oscillate in the yz plane.
D)must oscillate in the x direction.
E)must have a steady component in the x direction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric-field vector of a light beam propagating in the x direction must oscillate in the yz plane, perpendicular to the direction of propagation, due to the transverse nature of electromagnetic waves.

A Beam of Light Is Propagating in the X Direction