Question

Assertion
Electromagnetic waves are transverse in nature.
Reason
The electric and magnetic fields of an electromagnetic wave are perpendicular to each other and also perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
A. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
B. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
C. Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
D. Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.

Answer 1

Hint: Recall the basics of a transverse wave and the basic condition for a wave to be a transverse wave. Also go through the basics of the electromagnetic wave like the main composition of the electromagnetic wave and the directions of the electric and magnetic field with respect to the direction of propagation of the wave.

Complete step by step answer:
A wave is said to be transverse in nature if the particles in the medium oscillate due to the wave oscillates in a direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.
When an electric field vector and magnetic field vector oscillate together, it forms a wave.
This wave composed of an electric field vector and the magnetic field vector is called an electromagnetic wave.
In the electromagnetic wave, the electric field and magnetic field are oriented in such a direction that they are perpendicular to each other and also perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.
Due to the perpendicular directions of the electric and magnetic fields to each other and also to the direction of propagation of the wave, the electromagnetic wave is transverse in nature.
Therefore, the assertion and reason given are both correct and reason is the correct explanation for the assertion.

Hence, the correct option is A.

Note:
The students might think that for a wave to be transverse in nature, it should oscillate the particles of medium in a perpendicular direction to the direction of propagation of the wave then what is the relation of being electric and magnetic field perpendicular to direction of propagation of the wave. Actually, the direction of transfer of energy should be transverse which is satisfied by the electromagnetic wave. Hence, it is transverse in nature.