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3.4 Electric and Magnetic Components of Light

Electromagnetic waves contain both electric and magnetic fields that change or oscillate.  The electric field vector E is always perpendicular to the magnetic field vector B.  Both E and B are perpendicular to the propagation direction of the wave.  We will learn more about the electric field vector E in the section on polarization of light.

Figure 2.3.8. The electric (E) and magnetic (B) field vectors of electromagnetic energy.
Figure 2.3.8. The electric (E) and magnetic (B) field vectors of electromagnetic energy.

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