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EMW Theory

Electromagnetic (EM) waves are transverse waves that consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields and can travel through a vacuum at the speed of light. They are classified into various types based on wavelength and frequency, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays, each with specific applications. EM waves carry energy and momentum, and their behavior is governed by wave equations, exhibiting properties such as reflection, refraction, and polarization.

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1 views2 pages

EMW Theory

Electromagnetic (EM) waves are transverse waves that consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields and can travel through a vacuum at the speed of light. They are classified into various types based on wavelength and frequency, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays, each with specific applications. EM waves carry energy and momentum, and their behavior is governed by wave equations, exhibiting properties such as reflection, refraction, and polarization.

Uploaded by

Sanskar Udage
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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EMW Theory

What are Electromagnetic Waves?

Electromagnetic (EM) waves are waves that do not need a medium to travel. They can move through space (vacuum) and consist of
electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation.

Characteristics of EM Waves:
1. Transverse Nature – The electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to the direction of wave motion.
2. Do Not Need Medium – They can travel in vacuum.
3. Speed in Vacuum – All EM waves travel at the speed of light (c = 3 × 10⁸ m/s).
4. Energy Transfer – EM waves carry energy and momentum.
5. Produced by Accelerated Charges – Changing electric fields produce magnetic fields and vice versa, forming
an EM wave.

Properties of EM Waves:
• They obey wave equation and show wave behaviors (reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, and
polarization).
• Their speed in a medium depends on the permittivity (ε) and permeability (µ) of the medium:

• The ratio of the magnitudes of electric and magnetic fields is equal to the speed of light:

Electromagnetic Spectrum:

Electromagnetic waves are classified based on their wavelength and frequency.


Type of Wave Wavelength Range Uses
Radio Waves > 1 mm Communication (TV, radio)
Microwaves 1 mm – 1 m Radar, Cooking (Microwave oven)
Infrared (IR) 700 nm – 1 mm Remote controls, Night vision
Visible Light 400 nm – 700 nm Human vision
Ultraviolet (UV) 10 nm – 400 nm Sterilization, Sun rays
X-rays 0.01 nm – 10 nm Medical imaging
Gamma Rays < 0.01 nmCancer treatment

Uses of Electromagnetic Waves:


• Radio Waves – Communication (radio, TV, mobile signals)
• Microwaves – Cooking, satellite communication
• Infrared – Thermal imaging, remote sensing
• Visible Light – Sight, photography, optical fibers
• Ultraviolet – Vitamin D production, sterilization
• X-rays – Medical diagnosis, security scanning
• Gamma Rays – Cancer treatment, nuclear reactions

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