Polarization of a radiated wave is defined as the direction of what?

The polarization of a radiated wave specifically refers to the orientation of the electric field component of the electromagnetic wave. In a propagating electromagnetic wave, both the electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation. However, it is the electric field lines that determine the polarization.

For example, if the electric field oscillates vertically, the wave is said to be vertically polarized. If it oscillates horizontally, it is horizontally polarized. This property of the electric field is crucial in many applications, including antenna design and communication systems, as different polarizations can lead to variations in signal strength and quality, depending on the environment and the receiving antenna orientation.

Understanding that polarization relates specifically to the electric field lines of force sheds light on how waves interact with various substances and how receivers can be optimally aligned to detect the signal effectively.