The nature of electromagnetic waves is

The correct answer is Option (3) → transverse

Option (1) longitudinal — Incorrect. In a longitudinal wave, the oscillation is along the direction of travel. In an electromagnetic wave, neither field has a component along the direction of propagation.

Option (2) longitudinal stationary — Incorrect. The fields are not along the direction of travel. Also, an electromagnetic wave does not stay in one place. It travels through space with speed \( c \) and carries energy from the source.

Option (3) transverse — Correct. The oscillating electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation, so the wave is transverse.

Option (4) transverse stationary — Incorrect. The wave is transverse, but it is a travelling wave of the form \( E_x=E_0\sin(kz-\omega t) \), moving along z with speed \( c \). So it is not a stationary wave.

NCERT (2026-27):
Nature of Electromagnetic Waves – “… electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave are perpendicular to each other, and to the direction of propagation.”

Introduction – “… the light waves are transverse electromagnetic waves.”