Propagation of EM Waves

To understand electromagnetic wave propagation, it is necessary to understand the electromagnetic wave is. Vibrations between an electric field and a magnetic field cause electromagnetic waves to be produced.

Electromagnetic Waves

Electromagnetic Waves, also known as Electromagnetic Radiations, are described as superimposed oscillations in space of an Electric and Magnetic Field with propagation directions perpendicular to both. Electromagnetic waves caused oscillations when an electric and magnetic field crossed across.

The propagation direction of such waves is perpendicular to the force direction of any of these fields.

Properties of Electromagnetic Waves

There are many properties of electromagnetic waves which are given as

• EM waves travel at the speed of light.
• A medium is not required for the propagation of these waves.
• Interference and diffraction occur in these waves.
• An electric or magnetic field has no effect on these waves.
• EM waves move in a transverse direction.

Propagation of EM waves

EM waves are another name for electromagnetic waves. EM radiations use electromagnetic waves, which are created when an electric field collides with a magnetic field. The frequency of electromagnetic waves is their intrinsic feature. According to Maxwell, modifying the magnetic field can greatly increase the electric field. A time-varying magnetic field was created as a result of the acceleration of charges, and it is a key component in generating a time-varying electric field. As a result, electromagnetic waves have a sinusoidal magnetic and electric field that changes over time. Both of these fields operate normally to each other.

The propagation of em waves is normal to the direction of the force of either of these fields. These, like other waveforms, have some characteristics.

Properties of Electromagnetic Wave Propagation

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.

• EM waves travel at the speed of light.
• EM waves do not need any medium for propagation.
• EM waves are not deflected by electric or magnetic fields.
• EM waves can be polarized.

Modes of Propagation of EM waves

The wave moves through space as it propagates. An antenna at the transmitter emits electromagnetic waves (em waves) that travel through space and reach the reception antenna at the other end in radio wave communication. The power of the electromagnetic waves decreases as they travel away from the transmitter.

Understanding the composition of the earth’s atmosphere is also critical since it affects the propagation of electromagnetic waves. 

There are three modes of propagation of EM waves which are given here.

1. Ground Wave 
2. Sky Waves
3. Space Waves

Sky Wave

The radio waves travel directly or via reflection from the ground from the transmitting antenna across the sky to the receiver. Skywave propagation is the name given to this type of wave propagation. Ionospheric wave propagation is another name for it. Short-wave broadcasting services use it.

We can also achieve long-distance communication by using the ionospheric reflection of radio waves back towards the ground. The ionosphere is named after the presence of numerous ions or charged particles in this environment.

Ground Wave

Ground wave is used for transmissions with a low frequency range, usually less than 1 MHz. This kind of propagation makes use of huge antennas, the order of which is equal to the wavelength of the waves, and propagates via the ground or troposphere. This technology is not used to send signals across long distances. It generates considerable attenuation, which worsens as the frequency of the waves rises.

Space Waves

Line of sight communication system, often known as LoS, is used by space waves. This technique of propagation is used in space satellite communication and very high-frequency waves. It entails delivering a signal from the transmitter to the receiver in a straight line. We must guarantee that the height of the transmission tower is sufficient to avoid waves from colliding with the earth’s curvature, resulting in attenuation and signal loss over long distances.

Applications of Electromagnetic Waves

There are many applications of electromagnetic waves, some of which are given here.

1. An electromagnetic wave can be used in a variety of ways in communication technology, as it aids in the transmission of signals from one source to another.
2. These rays have the ability to transport energy in a vacuum or without the use of any medium at all.
3. Ultraviolet rays can easily be used to identify banknotes and determine whether or not they are forged. Original banknotes do not become luminous when exposed to UV radiation.

Conclusion

Electromagnetic waves caused oscillations when an electric and magnetic field crossed across.

The propagation direction of such waves is perpendicular to the force direction of any of these fields.

EM waves travel at the speed of light.

A medium is not required for the propagation of these waves.

The propagation of em waves is normal to the direction of the force of either of these fields.

There are three modes of propagation of EM waves which are given here.

• Ground Wave 
• Sky Waves
• Space Waves

An electromagnetic wave can be used in a variety of ways in communication technology, as it aids in the transmission of signals from one source to another.