ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

Ampere circuital law i.c.

B. dl
lailed to explain the flow of time varying current through a capacitor. It is
Cplained by Maxwell by introducing the concept of displacement current (1,)
and modified Ampere circuital law as

fB.dl I, 1,
Ilere, displacement current, I, =¬,

Time
varying clectric field is the source of displacement current(1,).
*A any instant, I, =1,
For external circuit I, =0 and

For internal circuit i.e. between the capicitor plates, I, =0

Maxwell's Equations:
Maxwell gave four cquations of elcctrodynamics called Maxwell's cquations.
1) f.ds 29 Gauss law in electrostalics

It state that clectric monopoles i.c. +ve or ve charge may cxist isolately.
(ii) fB. ds =0 Gauss law in magnetostatics]

It state that magnetic poles cxist in pairs

(ii) f.di=d9, |F'araday's law of clectromagnetic induction|

dt
It states hat time varying magnetic icld is the source of time varying electric field.
(is)f.d do IModilicd Ampere circuital law|
dt
I states thal time varying clectric licld is the Source ol time varying magnetic field
Notc: (i) Along wilh these equations Maxwell gave the expression for Lorentz

Torce as

A charge particle al rest may expericnce a Lorentz force in time varying magnetic
ficld. (Time varying electric ficld duc to time varying magnctic field.)
(ii) The four Maxwell's cquations together wvith Lorentz force cquation give
completc description of all clectromagnctic interactions.
Sampleproblem:
Wrile down Maxwell's cquation lor steady clectric and magnetic lields.
 CrOmagnetie Waves:
he a e consisting of luctuating time varying clectric and magnetic fields
perpendicular to each other as well as perpendicular to direction of propagation of
Wave is known as electromagnctic wave.
Note: -i) In EM wave associated electri and magnetic are in same phase.
iilectric and magnetic liclds oscillate sinusoidally in space. For a wave of
requcney . Wavelength. propagating along r-directio1. we have
- E()=E, sin(ks ot)

-sin27
And. B B() = B, sin (ks -ot)
X
Or B B 2 T
Sample problem:
The cleetrie field
of a plane clectromagnetic wave in vacuum is represented
by =0, E, = 0.5cos 27x10"1-* with e=3.0x10'm/s and all quantities in
C

SI units andl = 0. (i) What is the direction ofpropagation ofthe wave? (ii) What

IS a s clengh? (iii) Compute the components of the magnetic field associated with
the wave. Ans. (i) positive N-direction (ii) 3.0 m (ii) B = 0, B =0,

13 =0.17x 10 cos| 2Tx10| tesla.

Sample problem:-
A magnclic licld in a plane electronagnetic wave is given by
B 2xi0 sin(0.5x10'x +i.5x 10"1)tesla.
(a) What is the wavelength and lrequency of the wave? (b) Write down an
expression for the electric fieid. (r is in metre and t in second).
Ans. (a) 12.56 mm or 23.9 GIl (b) E = 60sin{0.5 x 10'x +1.5x 10"t}V/m.

Properties of EM waves:
1-The electromagnetie waves are produccd by accelerated or oseillating charge.
(accelerated or oscillating charge is found in LC-circuit.)
2- These waves do not require any material medium lor propagation.
3- The speed of EM waves in lree space is given as

C =
3x 10 m/s
VH, E
same as specd of light. By this property we came to know that light waves are
eiectronagnetic Waves.
For a medium other than air.
 VLE E, L E

V, E,
Or = V , E,

Refractive index. n =
ye, E,
4- For 1EM waveCs,

E._E
B B.
S-TEM waves are transverse in natlure. [The direction of variation of electric and
magnetic ficld vectors are perpendicular to the direction ofpropagation.
6- The energy in EM waves is divided cqually between electric field and magnetic
ficld vectors.
Proof- In vacuum, Electric field encrgy density,

u,

But for EM waves, E. ns = C (speed of light)

B

So. u E(c'1B
2

Since C

So , B
13
rns
Or
24
B (Magnetic field energy density)
But,
24
So. proved

7- Only electric ficld vector of 1:M waves is responsible for the optical effect
(polarization) so, also called light vector.
8- The EM waves being uncharged are not deflected by electric and magnetic
ficlds.
Note:-
In LC cireuit oscillatory charge particle produces EM waves offrequeney.
oduction of EM Waves:- of circuit
lectromagnetic waves are lirstly produced by 1lertz with the help a

conaining inductor and capacitor ol desired value.

The wavclength of EM waves produced by Hertz is about óm or frequency 5*10

Hert's Eaperiment:-
radiates
Iert's Experiment was based on the fact that an oscillating electric charge
clectromagnetie waves and oscillation electric charge found in a circuit having LC
Oscillations.
Eaperinmental Sctup:-
Metal Plate

To Induction coil

Detector or Receiver

P
Metal Plate

In this experimental setup Pi and P2 are to large square metal plates of copper or
ine placcd about 60 cm apart (Provides low capacitance C). They are connected to
wo highly polished metallic spheres Si and S2 through thick copper wire
(Provides low inductance L).
Working: -

A difference of several thousand volts is applied across

high potential
the sphercs S and S2 using induction eeil. Due to which the air between the spheres
els ioni/cd and provides a path for discharge of plates (i.e. initiate LC-oscillation).
Due to it, a spark is produced between S, and S2 and E.M. of high frequency is
radiatcd. 'The frequency of oscillations of charge i.e. produced EM waves between

plates is given by
The presence of EM waves can be detected by observing a spark between the gap
G G2 olf detector ring.
Note:-
.Indian Scientist JC Bose produce micro waves of wavelength about 5 mm to 25
Cm.
Marconi not only produced iM waves bul also ensure the propagation of EM
waves across lEnglish channel of width about 50 km and introduce the concept of
wireless communication.
Sample problem:-
Draw a labeled diagram of Hertz's apparatus t0 produce clectromagnetie waves and
explain the principle of the experiment.
.ectromagnettc >pectrum
aceonlng to their wavelengths or trequencies is
Orderlyarrangement ot EM wanCs
known as electromagnctic Spcetrn

() Gamma Rays (Y - Rays)

Wavelength range 1 0 t o 1«1inm.
Trequency range 3x10 to 3 10h iz
certain
Production By lransition of atomic nuclei and decay of
elementary particles.
Properties Chemical reaction on photographic plates,
fluoreseence, ionization, diffraction, highly-
ponclrating. chargeless, harmful to human body.
nuclei.
Uses Provided infornmation about structure of atomic

(2) X-Rays
WIveicngth range x10 to 3<10 m.
Trqucncy rangge 3x10 to ixj0" iz.
Production By suddcn deceleration of high-speed electrons at high
atomic number target, and (with discrete wavelengths)
innermost
also by electronic transitions among the
orbits of atoms.
All properties of gamma rays but less penetrating.
Propertics and
Uses Revcal structures of inner atomic electron shells
crystals help in medical diagnosis.

(3) Ultraviolet Radiations (UV Radiations)

Wavelength range x10 to4 10 m.

310 to8 10"1z.

TequCncy rangt
vacuum spark and ionized gascs.
Productions By sun, arc,
All properties of gamma rays but lesS penctrating,
PropertiCs
produce photo-electric effect, absorbed by atmospheric
ozone, harmlul to human body.
In detection of invisible wriling, forged documents
Uscs to prescrve foodstuffs.
ingerprints and

Visible Light (Violet to Red)

(4) 8* i(0
Wavclength range 4x10 to m.

requcnc range 3 10 i i10"il

Radiated by exeited atoms in gases and incandescent
Productions
bodics.
 diffraction,
Relleetion, relraction. interference,
nerues action
polarization. pholO-electric etfect, photographic
and sensation of sight.
of
Reveals the structure of molecules and arrangement
Uses
clectrons in external shells of atoms.

(5) Infrared Radiations (IR Radiations)

Wavelength range 8x10 Lo 8x 10 nm
Frequency range 4x10" to 6 10" 1Hz
Productions From hot bodies by rotational and vibrational
transitions in molecule.

Properties Heating ellect thermopile and bolometer, reflection,

on

relraction, dillraction, penetration through fog

In green houses to keep the plants warm
and in warfare
Uses
to look through ha/e. fog or mist.

(6) Micro Wave (Short Radio Waves)

x10 1o 3*10 m
Wavelength range
3x10 to I 109 Tlz
Frequency range
currents in special vacuum tubes and by
Productions By oscillating
circuits.
electronagnetic oscillators in electric
Rellection, polarization.
Properties communication via
Uses In radar, long-distance wirelesS
satellites and in microwave ovens.

(7) Radio Waves

10 to 1 10'm
W.Ivelength range
requency range
3 10 o 3 10'1l
electrie circuits.
Productions By oscillating
Rellection, dilîraction.
Properties
In Radio and T.V. communication systems.
Uses

(8) Long Waves

Wavelength range 5x10° to 610° m

60 to 50 lz
Trequeney range
Weak radiation from a.c. cireuits
Productions
Relraction and total internal reflection
Properties
Telecommunieation
Ses