The GATE Grind

GATE 2020 PH – Question 24

Electromagnetic theory · Maxwell's equations · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Under parity and time reversal, respectively, the scalar $\mathbf E\cdot\mathbf B$ is

  1. Odd and even.
  2. Even and odd.
  3. Odd and odd.
  4. Even and even.

Practise this question in The GATE Grind →

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (C) Odd and odd.

Explanation

Under parity, E is a polar vector and changes sign, while B is axial and does not. Their dot product is therefore parity odd. Under time reversal, E is unchanged and B reverses sign because currents reverse. The dot product is also time-reversal odd. Thus C.

More Maxwell's equations questions

All Maxwell's equations questions →