Question

In perfect conductors, the phase shift between the electric field and magnetic field will be

(a) 0

(b) 30

(c) 45

(d) 90

I had been asked this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

This intriguing question originated from Dielectric vs Conductor Wave Propagation in section EM Wave Propagation of Electromagnetic Theory

Answer 1

Correct answer is (c) 45

Explanation: For perfect conductors, the electric and magnetic field E and H respectively vary by a phase of 45 degree. This is due to the polarisation phenomenon in the conductors, unlike dielectrics.