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EM Waves and its Properties

In this article, we will discuss EM waves, properties of EM waves, nature of electromagnetic waves, characteristics of EM waves and more.

In physics, mathematics, and related fields, a wave is a propagating dynamic disturbance (change from equilibrium) of one or more quantities which is often described by a wave equation. Moving charges produce electromagnetic waves, which are a combination of electric and magnetic field waves. A charged particle is the source of all electromagnetic waves. An electric field is created by this charged particle (which can exert a force on other charged particles). When a charged particle accelerates as part of an oscillatory motion (as described by Maxwell’s equations), ripples or oscillations occur in both its electric and magnetic fields.

EM Waves

Waves that are related to both electricity and magnetism are known as electromagnetic waves (or EM waves). These waves are composed of time-varying electric and magnetic fields that flow over space.

Electromagnetic waves are created when electric and magnetic fields interact and fluctuate over time. These waves would almost probably reach beyond space, as they are tied to electricity and magnetism.

Maxwell’s equations are used to derive the electromagnetic equations. According to Maxwell, these EM waves have a wide range of unique qualities that can be used for a variety of reasons.

The magnetic field changes over time and gives rise to the electric field, which then changes over time and gives rise to the magnetic field, and so on. Electromagnetic waves are created when time-varying electric and magnetic fields are linked and propagate together in space.

The magnetic field is a sine wave, just like the electric field, but it travels in the other direction. Electromagnetic fields are produced by both of these fields (electric and magnetic). The wave propagates on the z-axis when the electric field is along the x-axis and the magnetic field is along the y-axis. The electric and magnetic fields, as well as the propagation direction of waves, are perpendicular to each other.

Formation of EM Waves

A charged particle, in general, produces an electric field. This electric field pushes other charged particles. Positive charges accelerate in the field’s direction, whereas negative charges accelerate in opposite direction. A travelling charged particle creates the magnetic field. This magnetic field pushes other moving particles. Because the force acting on these charges is always normal to their motion, it only affects the direction of the velocity rather than the speed.

As a result, an accelerating charged particle creates the electromagnetic field. Electromagnetic waves are electric and magnetic fields that travel at the speed of light c through open space. When a charged particle oscillates around an equilibrium point, it is said to be accelerating. If the charged particle’s oscillation frequency is f, it produces an electromagnetic wave of frequency f. 

The wavelength of EM waves can be calculated using the formula which is given below

λ=c/f

Electromagnetic waves are a type of energy transfer which occurs in space.

Sources of Electromagnetic Waves (EM Waves)

When electrically charged particles oscillate, they produce electromagnetic waves. An oscillating magnetic field is produced by the oscillation of the electric field associated with the speeding charge. Electromagnetic waves are created by the vibrating electric and magnetic fields.

The electric field associated with the charge is also static when it is at rest. As a result, no EM waves are generated because the electric field does not change with time.

There is no acceleration for a charge moving at a constant speed. No electromagnetic waves would be generated because the change in electric field with time is also constant. This demonstrates that the only method to generate EM waves is to accelerate the charges.

Consider the case of a charge particle that is oscillating. It generates an oscillating magnetic field by having an oscillating electric field. The oscillating magnetic field, in turn, generates an oscillating electric field, and so on.

Properties of EM Waves

There are many properties of EM waves which are given here.

  1. EM waves are transverse in nature. EM waves are propagated by changing the electric field and magnetic field that are kept normal to one another.
  2. Electromagnetic waves are created with the help of accelerated charges.
  3. The velocity of EM wave in vacuum is 3×108 m/s .
  4. The formula for the velocity of EM wave is given as C=1/√(μ0€0)
  5. The electromagnetic waves’ frequencies are not altered. The wavelength of these waves, on the other hand, alters when they go from one medium to another.
  6. The light vector is responsible for the development of optical effects caused by electromagnetic waves. An electric vector can likewise be used to evaluate a light vector.
  7. Both the electric and magnetic fields oscillate in an electromagnetic wave, and they are included in the same phase. These electric and magnetic fields have a constant magnitude ratio.

Conclusion

Waves that are related to both electricity and magnetism are known as electromagnetic waves.

Maxwell’s equations are used to derive the electromagnetic equations.

According to Maxwell, these EM waves have a wide range of unique qualities that can be used for a variety of reasons.

EM waves are transverse in nature.

The wavelength of EM waves can be calculated using the formula which is given below

λ=c/f

The electric field associated with the charge is also static when it is at rest. As a result, no EM waves are generated because the electric field does not change with time.

The formula for the velocity of EM wave is given as

C=1/√(μ0€0)

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