How do the E and H fields behave when radiated from an antenna?

When electromagnetic waves are radiated from an antenna, the electric field (E field) and the magnetic field (H field) are indeed out of phase with one another. This means that there is a phase difference of 90 degrees between the two fields. The E field represents the electric component of the wave, while the H field represents the magnetic component.

In the context of electromagnetic radiation, as the wave propagates through space, the peak of the E field does not occur at the same time as the peak of the H field. This phase difference is a fundamental characteristic of how these fields interact and propagate. The oscillations of the electric and magnetic fields are tied together, but they are staggered in their peaks and troughs.

Additionally, these fields are always perpendicular to one another and to the direction of propagation, conforming to the right-hand rule for electromagnetic waves. This characteristic requires that while the fields maintain their perpendicular arrangement, they exist in a state where neither field is synchronized, highlighting their out-of-phase nature. This understanding is crucial for grasping wave propagation in antennas and is foundational in the study of electromagnetic theory.