Question:

The equation that represents magnetic field of a plane electromagnetic wave which is propagating along \(x\)-direction with wavelength \(10\,\text{mm}\) and maximum electric field \(60\,\text{V m}^{-1}\) in \(y\)-direction is \((c=\text{speed of light})\):

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In an electromagnetic wave, \(\vec{E}\), \(\vec{B}\), and direction of propagation are mutually perpendicular. Also, \[ E_0=cB_0 \] and \[ k=\frac{2\pi}{\lambda}. \]
Updated On: Jun 26, 2026
  • \((6\times 10^{-7})\sin[0.2\pi(ct-x)]\hat{k}\,\text{tesla}\)
  • \((2\times 10^{-7})\sin[200\pi(ct-x)]\hat{k}\,\text{tesla}\)
  • \((2\times 10^{-7})\sin[200\pi(ct-x)]\hat{i}\,\text{tesla}\)
  • \((6\times 10^{-7})\sin[0.2\pi(ct-x)]\hat{i}\,\text{tesla}\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify the direction of magnetic field.
The electromagnetic wave is propagating along \(x\)-direction.
The electric field is along \(y\)-direction.
For an electromagnetic wave, the electric field, magnetic field, and direction of propagation are mutually perpendicular.
Also, \[ \vec{E}\times \vec{B} \] gives the direction of propagation.
Since propagation is along \(\hat{i}\) and electric field is along \(\hat{j}\), magnetic field must be along \(\hat{k}\), because \[ \hat{j}\times \hat{k}=\hat{i} \] Thus, magnetic field is along \[ \hat{k} \]

Step 2: Find the maximum magnetic field.
For an electromagnetic wave, \[ E_0=cB_0 \] Therefore, \[ B_0=\frac{E_0}{c} \] Given, \[ E_0=60\,\text{V m}^{-1} \] and \[ c=3\times 10^8\,\text{m s}^{-1} \] So, \[ B_0=\frac{60}{3\times 10^8} \] \[ B_0=20\times 10^{-8} \] \[ B_0=2\times 10^{-7}\,\text{T} \]

Step 3: Find the wave number.
Given wavelength is \[ \lambda=10\,\text{mm} \] Since, \[ 1\,\text{mm}=10^{-3}\,\text{m} \] Therefore, \[ \lambda=10\times 10^{-3}\,\text{m} \] \[ \lambda=10^{-2}\,\text{m} \] Wave number is \[ k=\frac{2\pi}{\lambda} \] \[ k=\frac{2\pi}{10^{-2}} \] \[ k=200\pi\,\text{m}^{-1} \]

Step 4: Write the magnetic field equation.
For a wave travelling along positive \(x\)-direction, the phase can be written as \[ k(ct-x) \] Therefore, \[ \vec{B}=B_0\sin[k(ct-x)]\hat{k} \] Substituting the values, \[ \vec{B}=(2\times 10^{-7})\sin[200\pi(ct-x)]\hat{k}\,\text{tesla} \]

Step 5: Final conclusion.
Therefore, the required magnetic field equation is \[ \boxed{(2\times 10^{-7})\sin[200\pi(ct-x)]\hat{k}\,\text{tesla}} \]
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