Q. Which of the following statement is false for the properties of electromagnetic waves?
A) These waves do not require any material medium for propagation
B) Both electric and magnetic field vectors attains the maxima and minima at the same place and same time
C) The energy in electromagnetic wave is divided equally between electric and magnetic vectors
D) Both electric and magnetic field vectors are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave
Explanation
[Solution from source] In an electromagnetic wave E and B are perpendicular to each other and both perpendicular to the direction of propagation, so saying they are parallel to each other is false. The other statements (no medium needed, in-phase maxima, equal energy sharing) are true. Answer (4).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.