GATE 2016 EC (EC3) – Question 34
A right-handed circularly polarized wave is normally incident on a plane perfect conductor. The reflected wave is
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Correct answer: (B) left-handed circularly polarized
Explanation
At a perfect conductor, both tangential electric-field components acquire the same reflection factor −1. Their equal amplitudes and quadrature relationship are retained, so the reflected wave remains circularly polarized.
Its propagation direction reverses. Handedness is defined relative to that direction, so the reflected wave has the opposite handedness: **left-handed circular polarization, B**.