Answer to Question #174005 in Electricity and Magnetism for Hoang Minh Quan

Question

Consider each of the electric and magnetic field orientations given next.In each case, draw the figure and identify what is the direction and propagation of the wave? For vectors x,y,z are the unit vectors of Oxyz Cartesian coordinate:

• E = -Ez; B = Bx
• E = Ex; B = -By

Answer 1

a) E = -E_z; B = B_x

In this case, electric field points to negative z-direction, magnetic field point to positive x-direction.

The direction of propagation of the wave is toward negative y according to the left-hand rule.

b) E = E_x; B = -B_y

The direction of propagation of the wave is toward negative z according to the left-hand rule.