193 Views

What happens when electric and magnetic field waves are not in phase in an em wave.


Answers (2)
Raghavi 7th Mar, 2019

Hello Aishwarya, 

Electric field is a vector charge surrounding an electric charge that exerts force on other charges attracting or repelling them.

Magnetic field is a vector field that describes the magnetic influence of electric currents and magnetized materials

Electromagnetic waves are a result of interference between electric field and magnetic field. So when electric field magnetic field waves are not in phase there will be destructive interference between them because of which there will be reduction in the amplitude of the wave and subsequently intensity will be reduced as intensity varies directly with the square of the amplitude. 

Rahul Gupta 28th Feb, 2019

Hello Aishwaryaa,

The electromagnetic waves form an important part of the Physics syllabus of the class 12th examination and a lot of questions are asked on them, so do study them well. 

As for your question, electromagnetic waves are a result of interference between electric and magnetic field waves. If in case they are out of phase, then there would be destructive interference between them which will cause a reduction in the amplitude of the wave and subsequently, the intensity will also be reduced as intensity varies directly with the square of amplitude.

Related Questions

Amrita University B.Tech 2026
Apply
Recognized as Institute of Eminence by Govt. of India | NAAC ‘A++’ Grade | Upto 75% Scholarships
UPES B.Tech Admissions 2026
Apply
Ranked #43 among Engineering colleges in India by NIRF | Highest Package 1.3 CR , 100% Placements
UPES Integrated LLB Admission...
Apply
Ranked #18 amongst Institutions in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in India for Academic Reputation by QS Rankings | 16 LPA Highest CTC
Great Lakes Institute of Mana...
Apply
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025
Jain University, Bangalore - ...
Apply
NAAC A++ Approved | Curriculum Aligned with BCI & UGC
Nirma University Law Admissio...
Apply
Grade 'A+' accredited by NAAC | Ranked 33rd by NIRF 2025
View All Application Forms

Download the Careers360 App on your Android phone

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

150M+ Students
30,000+ Colleges
500+ Exams
1500+ E-books