Electromagnetic waves are ___ electric and magnetic fields.
A. transverse
B. constant
C. oscillating
D. parallel
The correct answer is A. transverse.
To explain how to arrive at this answer, we need to understand the nature of electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic (EM) waves are a form of energy that can travel through a vacuum or through matter. They are generated by the movement of charged particles and consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular (or transverse) to each other.
One way to determine the answer is to recall that electromagnetic waves are often represented by a wave diagram, showing the direction and orientation of the electric and magnetic fields. Visualizing this diagram, you can see that the electric and magnetic fields are indeed perpendicular to each other, making the waves transverse in nature.
Therefore, the correct answer is A. transverse.