alleryStart learning →An electromagnetic wave consists of an electric field oscillating in step with a:
AParallel gravity field
BPerpendicular magnetic field
CParallel magnetic field
DPerpendicular sound field
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Perpendicular magnetic field
1. Maxwell's description ties the two fields of an electromagnetic wave together.
2. Electromagnetic waves consist of an electric field oscillating in step with a perpendicular magnetic field.
3. Both of those fields are perpendicular to the direction of travel.
4. That geometry is what makes light a transverse wave.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry 2e (CC BY 4.0), Ch 6 'Electronic Structure and Periodic Properties of Elements', sections 6.1-6.5_
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