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ExamsGATETechnical

The electric field of a uniform plane electromagnetic wave in free space, along the positive x direction, is given by \(\vec{E} = 10(\hat{a}_y + j\hat{a}_z)e^{-j25x}\). The frequency and polarization of the wave, respectively, are

  1. 1.2 GHz and left circular
  2. 4 Hz and left circular
  3. 1.2 GHz and right circular
  4. 4 Hz and right circular

Correct answer: 1.2 GHz and left circular

Solution

The phase constant is \(\beta=25\,\text{rad/m}\), so in free space \(f=\beta c/(2\pi)\approx 1.2\) GHz. Since the two transverse components have equal magnitude and a 90° phase difference, the wave is circularly polarized. For propagation in the +x direction, the given phasor corresponds to left circular polarization.

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