Electromagnetic waves radie antenna HELP

[MEAHH]

Homework Statement

A radio-frequency EM plane wave propagates in the +z-direction. A student finds that her portable radio obtains the best reception of the wave when the antenna is parallel to the x--y plane making an angle of 60 degrees with respect to the y-axis .
(a) Consider an instant when the fields are non-zero at the location of the antenna.
Draw and lable the direction of the electric field and the direction og the magnetic field.Explain
(b)How would your answers to part a be different if the wave were propagating in the -z-direction.Explain

The Attempt at a Solution

a) i drew the E field parallel to the antenna and the b field perpendiculat to it so that the oscillation will be at a max...is this right?
b) i am unsure of what changes

 

[LowlyPion]

I don't think anything changes if you reverse the direction between +z and -z.

The e and the h waves are still perpendicularly polarized with respect to the orientation of the antenna is my understanding.

 

[nlightner]

would occur if the wave were propagating in the -z-direction.

I would like to clarify that the statement "Electromagnetic waves radie antenna HELP" is not a proper scientific statement. It is important to use accurate and clear language when discussing scientific concepts.

Now, for the given homework statement, let's address the two parts:

a) Yes, your drawing is correct. When the wave is propagating in the +z-direction, the electric field oscillates parallel to the antenna and the magnetic field oscillates perpendicular to it. This is because the electric field is always perpendicular to the direction of propagation, while the magnetic field is perpendicular to both the electric field and the direction of propagation. This is known as the right-hand rule.

b) If the wave were propagating in the -z-direction, the direction of the electric and magnetic fields would be reversed. This means that the electric field would be oscillating parallel to the antenna, while the magnetic field would be oscillating perpendicular to it. This is because the direction of propagation determines the direction of the fields, according to the right-hand rule. So, in this case, the antenna would need to be oriented perpendicular to the x-y plane (making an angle of 30 degrees with respect to the y-axis) to obtain the best reception.

In summary, the direction of the fields is determined by the direction of propagation, and the orientation of the antenna should be adjusted accordingly to obtain the best reception.