Question:

In an EM wave, electric field amplitude is \( 300\,\text{V/m} \). Magnetic field amplitude is:

Show Hint

The magnetic field vector in an EM wave is always much smaller in numerical value than the electric field vector because of the factor of $c$ ($3 \times 10^8$) in the denominator.
Always express your final answer in standard scientific notation to easily match the options.
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
  • $1 \times 10^{-6}\text{ T}$
  • $1 \times 10^{-5}\text{ T}$
  • $1 \times 10^{-7}\text{ T}$
  • $3 \times 10^{-6}\text{ T}$
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to find the amplitude of the magnetic field vector in an electromagnetic (EM) wave, given the amplitude of its corresponding electric field vector.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:

In any electromagnetic wave propagating in a vacuum or air, the amplitudes of the electric field ($E_0$) and the magnetic field ($B_0$) are directly related to the speed of light ($c$) by the equation:
\[ c = \frac{E_0}{B_0} \] Rearranging this formula to find the magnetic field amplitude:
\[ B_0 = \frac{E_0}{c} \] where $c \approx 3 \times 10^8\text{ m/s}$ is the speed of light in vacuum.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:


• Electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and also perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

• The ratio of the magnitude of the electric field to the magnitude of the magnetic field at any instant is a constant, which is equal to the velocity of the wave in that medium.

• We are given the electric field amplitude as $E_0 = 300\text{ V/m}$.

• The speed of light in vacuum is a fundamental constant, $c = 3 \times 10^8\text{ m/s}$.

• Substituting these values into the rearranged relation:
\[ B_0 = \frac{300}{3 \times 10^8} \] \[ B_0 = 100 \times 10^{-8}\text{ T} \] \[ B_0 = 1 \times 10^{-6}\text{ T} \]
• Thus, the amplitude of the oscillating magnetic field in this electromagnetic wave is $1 \times 10^{-6}\text{ T}$.

Step 4: Final Answer:

The magnetic field amplitude of the EM wave is $1 \times 10^{-6}\text{ T}$.
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