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⚛️ Physics  ·  Electromagnetic Waves  ·  NEET & JEE

If the amplitude of an EM wave in vacuum is E<sub>0</sub>, in a medium of refractive index n (transparent), the E field amplitude:

Answer: E 0 /√n.

  • A √(n) E<sub>0</sub> (slightly higher due to slower phase velocity)
  • B E<sub>0</sub>/n
  • C E<sub>0</sub> n
  • D E<sub>0</sub>/√n

Correct answer: D. E<sub>0</sub>/√n

Explanation: In a dielectric: intensity I = ½nε_0 c E<sub>0</sub>². For same intensity: E<sub>medium</sub> = E<sub>vacuum</sub>/√n. The electric field amplitude decreases in a denser medium.

Electromagnetic Wave: E ⊥ B ⊥ Direction of TravelpropagationE (electric field, vertical plane)B (magnetic field, horizontal plane, perpendicular to E)

In an electromagnetic wave, the oscillating electric field (E) and magnetic field (B) are perpendicular to each other and to the direction the wave travels - a purely transverse wave that needs no medium, unlike sound.

Concept context

Maxwell's equations, EM spectrum, properties, and applications of each band.

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