Is it a magnetic or an electric field that causes induction

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mechanisms of induction in antennas, specifically the roles of electric and magnetic fields. It is established that the electric field (E) of an incoming electromagnetic wave oscillates electrons in the antenna, resulting in alternating charges. The magnetic field, while present, does not independently cause electron motion but rather complements the electric field's effect. The right-hand rule is referenced to determine the direction of the magnetic force on the electrons, emphasizing the relationship between the electric and magnetic fields in electromagnetic wave propagation.

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  • Familiarity with the right-hand rule in physics
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tor2006
Is it a magnetic or an electric field that causes induction in the antenna
wiki says that:

The electric field (E, green arrows) of the incoming wave pushes the electrons in the rods back and forth, charging the ends alternately positive (+) and negative (−). enter image description here but isn't it a magnetic field that makes a charge oscillate?

I am adding a picture, can you please explain how it should work? the wave propagates on the x axis, how do we know that there is an electric field/ potential on the wave in the z axis? enter image description here
 

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tor2006 said:
isn't it a magnetic field that makes a charge oscillate?

Let's call the line of the wires the x-axis, and the direction of propagation of the wave the y-axis, and the third (vertical) direction the z-axis.

1. In the diagram, what is the direction of the magnetic field that is associated with the given electric field, as part of the electromagnetic wave?
2. What is the direction of motion of the electrons along the wire?
3. What is the resulting direction of the magnetic force on the electrons, as per the right-hand rule? How is that direction oriented with respect to the wires?
 
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jtbell said:
Let's call the line of the wires the x-axis, and the direction of propagation of the wave the y-axis, and the third (vertical) direction the z-axis.

1. In the diagram, what is the direction of the magnetic field that is associated with the given electric field, as part of the electromagnetic wave?
2. What is the direction of motion of the electrons along the wire?
3. What is the resulting direction of the magnetic force on the electrons, as per the right-hand rule? How is that direction oriented with respect to the wires?
I feel that we must avoid double-counting here.
If we assume that the electric field moves the electrons, then that gives the correct answer. We should not also assume that the magnetic field gives the electrons an additional movement, because it amounts to the same thing.
 

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