Question

an electromagnetic wave propagates in a vacuum in the x-direction. In what direction does the electric field oscilate

Answer 1

Answer:

The electric field  can either oscillates in the z-direction, or the y-direction, but must oscillate in a direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation, and the direction of oscillation of the magnetic field.

Explanation:

Electromagnetic waves are waves that have an oscillating magnetic and electric field, that oscillates perpendicularly to one another. Electromagnetic waves are propagated in a direction perpendicular to both the electric and the magnetic field. If the wave is propagated in the x-direction, then the electric field can either oscillate in the y-direction, or the z-direction but must oscillate perpendicularly to both the the direction of oscillation of the magnetic field, and the direction of propagation of the wave.