Table of Contents
Introduction
Electromagnetic radiation is the electromagnetic field’s waves (or photons, quanta) propagating or radiating through space, conveying electromagnetic radiant energy. Microwaves, radio waves, infrared, (visible) light, X-rays, ultraviolet, and gamma rays are all part of it.
Electromagnetic waves, which are synchronized oscillations of electric and magnetic fields that transmit the speed of light, which is generally expressed as “c” in a vacuum, are naturally present in EM radiation.
The oscillations of the two fields generate a transverse wave in standardized, isotropic medium because they are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of energy and wave transmission. A sphere is the wavefront of electromagnetic waves produced by a point source (such as a light bulb).
The frequency of oscillation can be used to define the point of an electromagnetic wave inside the electromagnetic band.
The information about electromagnetic waves and electromagnetic radiation from various physics-related articles is available here. Electromagnetic waves and electromagnetic radiation and their general concepts are important topics in physics. Students who want to flourish in physics need to be well known about electromagnetic waves and electromagnetic radiation to get deep knowledge about it to do well on their exams. The definition and properties are provided here to assist students in effectively understanding the respective topic. Continue to visit our website for additional physics help.
Overview
Self-sustaining oscillations in open space or vacuum are known as electromagnetic waves. Because electromagnetic waves of different frequencies have diverse origins and effects on matter, they are given different names. Microwaves, radio waves, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays are listed in sequence of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.
Electrically charged particles undergoing acceleration produce electromagnetic waves, which can interact with other charged particles and exert force on them. Electromagnetic waves convey energy, motion, and angular momentum away from their originating particle and can impart these magnitudes to matter.
EM radiation refers to electromagnetic waves that are free to transmit (“radiate”) without being permanently influenced by the moving charges that originated them because they have moved far enough away from them.
As a result, electromagnetic radiation is also known as the far field. That is, the term “near field” refers to EM fields that are close to the charges and currents that cause electromagnetic induction and electrostatic induction to occur.
Vibrations between an electric field and a magnetic field cause electromagnetic waves to be produced. The process of electromagnetic waves forming is fascinating. A magnetic field is created around the periphery of a charged particle in motion.
The direction of the magnetic field varies depending on the type of charge. The magnetic field produced by a positive charge is in the opposite direction as the magnetic field produced by a negative charge.
The electromagnetic spectrum divides electromagnetic waves into frequency categories. There is no clear line separating one wave from the next.
The classification is based on how these waves are generated and identified. In order of increasing wavelengths, distinct regions are referred to as g-rays, X-rays, ultraviolet rays, visible rays, infrared rays, microwaves, and radio waves.
Properties of electromagnetic waves
The properties of electromagnetic wave propagation are as follows:
- These waves travel faster than light.
- There is no need for a medium to propagate these waves.
- These waves can be polarised and are subject to interference and diffraction.
- An electric or magnetic field has no effect on these waves.
- These waves move in a transverse direction.
Types of Electromagnetic Waves
- Radio: Radio and television signals are transmitted using these types of waves. The wavelength of this wave is the largest.
- Microwaves: Electromagnetic waves are used in a variety of applications, including cooking, radar, telephones, and other signals.
- Infrared: This wave is good for transferring heat from the sun, radiators, and fires.
- Visible Light: With the help of visible light, we can see.
- Ultraviolet: The sun and many nuclear power facilities emit ultraviolet light. This wave isn’t always beneficial for your skin. Fluorescent tubes are used by scientists to use this radiation.
- X-rays: This ray aids in the visualization of organs and other body parts. This technique has a wide range of applications in the medical field.
- Gamma Rays: Cancer cells can be killed with gamma rays. The radiation spreads through affected areas. The wavelength of this wave is the shortest.
Electromagnetic radiation
The movement of energy at the universal speed of light through free space or via a material medium in the form of the electric and magnetic fields that make up electromagnetic waves such as radio waves, visible light, and gamma rays is known as electromagnetic radiation in classical physics.
Time-varying electric and magnetic fields are mutually coupled at right angles and perpendicular to the motion direction in such a wave. The intensity and frequency v of the time fluctuation of the electric and magnetic fields define an electromagnetic wave.
When electromagnetic radiation interacts with charged particles in atoms, molecules, and bigger objects of matter, it produces a variety of effects.
These phenomena, as well as how electromagnetic radiation is formed and viewed, how it happens in nature, and its technological applications, are all dependent on its frequency v.
The frequency spectrum of electromagnetic radiation ranges from extremely low values in the radio, television, and microwave ranges through visible light and beyond to much higher values in ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays.
Photons are energy packets hv that always move with the universal speed of light. h represents Planck’s constant, whereas the value of v is similar to the frequency of the electromagnetic wave.
The photons with similar energy hv are all alike and their number density correlates to the radiation’s intensity.
Also read: Traverse Nature of Electromagnetic Waves
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is an Electromagnetic Wave?
Self-sustaining oscillations in open space or vacuum are known as electromagnetic waves. Vibrations between an electric field and a magnetic field cause electromagnetic waves to be produced.
Are Electromagnetic Radiation harmful to humans?
There is little doubt that short-term exposure to high levels of electricity can be hazardous to one's health. So far, there is no reason to believe that low magnetic fields are harmful to human health without more investigation.
What are the facts behind the red sunset?
The light from the sun passes through a long column or path length of the atmosphere of the earth's surface after sunset. At this time, the blue components in the atmosphere are assisting in reducing the intensity of sunshine. This aids in the reddish or yellowish tinting of the transmitted light beam.
