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GATE 2026 EC – Question 24

Electromagnetics · Plane Waves and Properties · 1 mark · Multiple choice

The electric field of a monochromatic plane wave travelling in a lossless isotropic and homogenous medium is given by $\vec E(z,t)=E_0[\hat x\cos(\omega t-kz)+\hat y\sin(\omega t-kz)]$ in a right-handed orthogonal co-ordinate system. Which of the following is the correct polarization of the electromagnetic wave?

  1. Right-handed circularly polarized
  2. Left-handed circularly polarized
  3. Linearly polarized
  4. Linearly polarized with $-45^\circ$ angle to $\hat x$

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) Right-handed circularly polarized

Explanation

The two components have equal amplitude and a 90° phase difference, so the wave is circular. At fixed $z$ the field rotates from $\hat x$ toward $\hat y$, i.e. counter-clockwise about the propagation direction $+z$, which is right-handed (IEEE convention).