Polarization of a radiated wave is determined by the direction of the lines of force making up the which field?

The polarization of a radiated wave refers to the orientation of the oscillations of the electric field vector as the wave propagates through space. Therefore, it is the electric field that determines the polarization. This directional characteristic reflects how the electric field lines oscillate; for instance, if the electric field oscillates vertically, the wave is said to be vertically polarized, while horizontal oscillation indicates horizontal polarization.

In contrast, the magnetic field plays a cooperative role in the propagation of electromagnetic waves but does not define their polarization. The terms "radiation" and "circuit" do not pertain directly to the concepts associated with wave polarization. Radiation refers to the emission and transmission of energy through space, while circuit concerns electrical components and their configurations. Thus, the best answer to describe the polarization of a radiated wave is indeed linked to the electric field.