The electric field vector \( \vec{E} \) and magnetic field vector \( \vec{B} \) in electromagnetic waves are
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → perpendicular to each other
Electromagnetic waves are transverse: the electric and magnetic fields oscillate at right angles to each other and to the direction of propagation, which is along \( \vec{E}\times\vec{B} \). The two fields also oscillate in phase, reaching their maxima together, so \( \vec{E} \) and \( \vec{B} \) are always perpendicular to each other.
Note: The same question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 05-06-2023 (Slot 2).
NCERT (2026-27):
Summary – “… Electric and magnetic fields oscillate sinusoidally in space and time in an electromagnetic wave. The oscillating electric and magnetic fields, \( \mathbf{E} \) and \( \mathbf{B} \) are perpendicular to each other, and to the direction of propagation of the electromagnetic wave.”