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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between electric and magnetic fields in a vertically traveling electromagnetic wave. It is established that if the electric field oscillates north and south while the wave travels upward, the magnetic field oscillates east and west. This conclusion is based on the principle that electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other in three-dimensional space, confirming that the oscillation directions are orthogonal to the direction of wave propagation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave theory
  • Knowledge of vector mathematics in three dimensions
  • Familiarity with the properties of electric and magnetic fields
  • Basic grasp of wave propagation concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Maxwell's equations to understand electromagnetic wave behavior
  • Learn about the Poynting vector and its significance in wave propagation
  • Explore the concept of polarization in electromagnetic waves
  • Investigate the applications of electromagnetic waves in communication technologies
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching electromagnetic theory, and professionals in telecommunications and electrical engineering will benefit from this discussion.

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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