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QPage 339: Q4: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Electromagnetic Waves Page 339: Q4 Solution: Which of the following have zero average value in a plane…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often mistake the zero time‑average of the sinusoidal electric and magnetic fields for the average of their energy densities; remember that $\langle E\rangle=\langle B\rangle=0$ over a full period, but $\langle E^2\rangle$ and $\langle B^2\rangle$ are positive (half the peak‑squared), so electric and magnetic energy are not zero on average.

Which of the following have zero average value in a plane electromagnetic wave?

Multiple Choice Options

  • A Electric field
  • B Magnetic field
  • C Electric energy
  • D Magnetic energy

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** (a), (b). **Step-by-Step Explanation:** Electric and magnetic fields oscillate sinusoidally with zero average value.

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