The vectors of the electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave are perpendicular to one another and to the direction in which the wave is propagating. Transverse nature is the term used to describe this type of electromagnetic wave.
Maxwell established that, in the direction of wave propagation, the magnetic and electric fields are perpendicular to one another. He thought of a wave traveling along the positive x-axis as an electromagnetic wave. Relative to the three coordinate axes, a rectangular parallelepiped is positioned such that the electric and magnetic fields propagate sinusoidally with the x-axis, while remaining independent of the y and z-axes.
A rectangle parallelepiped in a positive direction is depicted in the illustration.
The rectangular parallelepiped does not enclose any charge thus the total electric flux across it must be zero. This law is called gauss’ law, i.e.
When holding a rope in your hand, have you ever anchored one end of it? By transferring your hands in a different direction, you can produce a transverse wave.
The fact that the electric field stays constant at various x-axis places indicates that it is static in nature. Since static fields are known to spread like waves, EX = 0.
Since the electric field is perpendicular to the direction in which waves propagate, its component along the propagation direction is zero.
Since a magnetic field is likewise perpendicular to the direction in which waves propagate, this also supports the existence of a magnetic field. This demonstrates how electromagnetic waves are transverse to the direction in which they propagate.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Write About Some Uses for Electromagnetic Waves.
A few uses for electromagnetic waves are as follows:
- Energy can be transferred by electromagnetic radiation in a vacuum or without the need of any media at all.
- The use of electromagnetic waves in communication technologies is significant.
- In RADARS, electromagnetic waves are utilized.
- Counterfeit banknotes are identified by UV light. Under UV light, real banknotes don’t become fluorescent.
- The security camera uses infrared radiation, which is useful for night vision.
Electromagnetic waves: What are they?
EM waves are another name for electromagnetic waves. When an electric field and a magnetic field come into contact, electromagnetic waves are created. These waves make up electromagnetic radiation.
Explain what refraction is.
Refraction is the term used to describe how a wave changes direction when it transitions from one medium to another.
What is the order in which electromagnetic waves propagate?
Electromagnetic waves propagate in the following order: generation, propagation, reflection, and reception.
What aspect of an electromagnetic wave is dependent on the medium it is traveling through?
An electromagnetic wave’s velocity is a quality that depends on the medium it is traveling through. The wave’s source determines other characteristics including wavelength, frequency, and period of time.
