Question

The amplitude of the magnetic field part of a harmonic electromagnetic wave in vacuum is B₀ = 510 nT. What is the amplitude of the electric field part of the wave?

Answer 1

Amplitude of magnetic field of an electromagnetic wave in a vacuum,

B₀ = 510 nT = 510 × 10⁻⁹ T

Speed of light in a vacuum, c = 3 × 10⁸ m/s

Amplitude of electric field of the electromagnetic wave is given by the relation,

E = cB₀

= 3 × 10⁸ × 510 × 10⁻⁹

= 153 N/C

Therefore, the electric field part of the wave is 153 N/C.