What Direction Does the Magnetic Field Oscillate in a Vertically Traveling Wave?

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In a vertically traveling electromagnetic wave, the electric field oscillates north and south, while the magnetic field oscillates east and west. The fields are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation, which is upward in this scenario. This relationship holds true in three-dimensional space, confirming that the magnetic field does not oscillate in the same direction as the electric field. The discussion clarifies the fundamental principles of electromagnetic wave behavior, emphasizing the perpendicular nature of the fields. Understanding these relationships is crucial for comprehending wave dynamics in physics.
lisamay44
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If an electric field wave oscillates north and south, and the wave is traveling straight up, then what direction does the magnetic field wave oscillate?

east and west
north and south
up and down
It does not oscillate; this situation is impossible.

I know that magnetic fields and electric fields travel perpendicular to each other. Do they travel perpendicular to each other on two dimensions (then the answer would be east and west) or do they travel perpendicular to each other on three dimensions (and then the answer would be up and down)? My initial reaction is that they travel perpendicular to each other on 3 dimensions (answer = up and down), but I am not sure.
 
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Hi lisamay44,

You said that the electric and magnetic fields are pependicular to each other in an electromagnetic wave; now how are those fields related to the direction of travel of the wave?
 

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