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Multiple Choice
At one point in an otherwise empty space, an electromagnetic wave has a magnetic field strength of . What is the speed of this wave?
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Verified step by step guidance
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Understand that electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space. The speed of these waves in a vacuum is a fundamental constant known as the speed of light, denoted by c.
Recall that the speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 3.0×10^8 m/s. This is a universal constant and applies to all electromagnetic waves, including those with varying magnetic field strengths.
Recognize that the magnetic field strength given in the problem (2.0 μT) does not affect the speed of the electromagnetic wave. The speed remains constant at 3.0×10^8 m/s regardless of the field strength.
Note that the problem provides multiple choice options for the speed of the wave. The correct answer is the speed of light, which is 3.0×10^8 m/s.
Conclude that the speed of the electromagnetic wave in the given scenario is 3.0×10^8 m/s, as this is the speed of light in a vacuum, unaffected by the magnetic field strength.