Why is the Electric Field Magnitude Zero in the Z Direction for an EM Wave?

[ksnf3000]

Hello All,

I am a masters student in electronics engg and reading technical electrodynamics.
Please let me know why the magnitude of the electric field is zero in the z direction if we consider a wave propagating in the +ve z direction. Mathematically, it is clear; however i would like to physically understand why this is happening.

Quick replies will be highly appreciated!

Thanks and Regards,

ksnf3000

 

[cepheid]

"Because Maxwell's Equations are true." Seroiusly, that's the answer to your question. It comes as a result of Maxwell's equations that, in an EM wave, the directions of oscillation of the electric and magnetic fields must both be perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.