Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 33 - Electromagnetic Waves - Problems - Page 1006: 73e

Answer

The magnetic field oscillates parallel to the x axis.

Work Step by Step

According to the equation, the wave travels in the -z direction. The equation for the electric field is $E_y$ which shows that the electric field oscillates parallel to the y axis. The direction of an electromagnetic wave is given by: $E \times B$ By the right hand rule, the magnetic field oscillates parallel to the x axis.
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