Which of the following statements is false for the properties of electromagnetic waves? (a) Both electric and magnetic field vectors attain the maxima and minima at the same place and same time. (b) The energy in electromagnetic wave is divided equally between electric and magnetic vectors. (c) Both electric and magnetic field vectors are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave. (d) These waves do not require any material medium for propagation.

Answer: (c). In an EM wave E and B are in phase, so they reach maxima and minima together: (a) true. Energy is shared equally between electric and magnetic fields: (b) true. No medium is needed: (d) true. E and B are perpendicular to each other (and to the propagation direction), not parallel. So the false statement is (c).

Which of the following statements is false for the properties of… | NEET 2010 (AIPMT, Prelims)

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Nature of EM Waves & Wave Equation

Which of the following statements is false for the properties of electromagnetic waves?

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Answer: (c)

In an EM wave $\vec{E}$ and $\vec{B}$ are in phase, so they reach maxima and minima together: (a) true.
Energy is shared equally between electric and magnetic fields: (b) true. No medium is needed: (d) true.
$\vec{E}$ and $\vec{B}$ are perpendicular to each other (and to the propagation direction), not parallel.
So the false statement is (c).

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