The magnetic field of an electromagnetic wave oscillates parallel to a y-axis and is given by B_y = B₀y sin (kz - ωt). (a) In what direction does the wave travel and (b) parallel to which axis does the associated electric field oscillate?

Given, magnetic field of an EM wave is oscillating parallel to y- axis.
B_y = B₀y sin (kz - ωt)

(a) The phase is changing with z and t. So, the wave is travelling along z-direction.

(b) Since,

\vec{E}, \vec{B}

and the direction of propagation are mutually perpendicular therefore direction of electric field should be along the x-axis.

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The magnetic field of an electromagnetic wave oscillates parallel to a y-axis and is given by By = B0y sin (kz - ωt). (a) In what direction does the wave travel and (b) parallel to which axis does the associated electric field oscillate?

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Physics Part I

The magnetic field of an electromagnetic wave oscillates parallel to a y-axis and is given by B_y = B₀y sin (kz - ωt). (a) In what direction does the wave travel and (b) parallel to which axis does the associated electric field oscillate?