After the radiation field leaves an antenna, how are the E and H fields related in terms of phase and physical displacement?

The correct answer emphasizes that in an electromagnetic wave, specifically after it has been radiated from an antenna, the electric (E) field and the magnetic (H) field are indeed out of phase and maintain a specific spatial relationship characterized by being 90 degrees apart.

In a plane wave, the E and H fields oscillate perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation. This arrangement manifests as the two fields being out of phase by 90 degrees; when one field reaches its maximum value, the other field passes through zero. This characteristic is fundamental to the nature of electromagnetic radiation, illustrating how the fields interact and propagate through space.

In terms of physical displacement, while the E and H fields are separate from one another, they still exist in a consistent spatial relationship, aligning with the principles of wave propagation. Therefore, recognizing the phase difference and the perpendicular spatial arrangement of these fields is crucial for understanding how electromagnetic waves function in practical applications.