EM field and EM wave

In summary, the electromagnetic (EM) field is a physical field produced by electrically charged objects, encompassing both electric and magnetic components that propagate through space. EM waves are oscillations of these fields that travel through a vacuum or medium at the speed of light, carrying energy and information. They encompass a spectrum of wavelengths, ranging from radio waves to gamma rays, and are foundational to various technologies, including communication, imaging, and energy transfer.
  • #1
crocodile_
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Hello, I'm new to this forum. I have a short question that I can't solve on my own, I've consulted many books but I can't find solutions, I hope you can help me.

Then considering a conductor traversed by an electric current that varies over time, it produces an electromagnetic field, under certain conditions the electromagnetic field moves further and further away from the conductor and electromagnetic waves are created.

Here are the conditions under which a conductor produces only an electromagnetic field in the near field such as EM induction or transcranial magnetic stimulation, and under which other conditions does it instead produce electromagnetic waves (far field)?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF.

You have considered only a short piece of wire and the near field it radiates. That piece of wire is just one element of a closed circuit with current flowing.

The far field is the sum of all the fields radiated by the current in all the elements of that circuit. For big circuits and small wavelengths, the phase of the currents may vary about the circuit, which makes the summation more interesting.

The magnetic fields radiated by the circuit are accompanied in space by a perpendicular electric field.
 
  • #3
Electric circuits with varying current, unless of shielded construction, will have both local fields, in which energy is stored, and radiated fields, where energy is lost from the circuit due to the creation of radiated EM waves. The radiated energy is small when the dimensions of the circuit are small compared to the wavelength.
 
  • #4
Whenever a charged particle is accelerated or decelerated electromagnetic radiation will be produced. The only condition for generating an electromagnetic field in the near-field region and in the far-field region is a charged particle with changing its velocity.
 

FAQ: EM field and EM wave

What is an electromagnetic (EM) field?

An electromagnetic field is a physical field produced by electrically charged objects. It consists of electric fields and magnetic fields that are interrelated and propagate through space. The electric field is generated by stationary charges, while the magnetic field is produced by moving charges (currents). Together, they form the foundation for electromagnetic waves, such as light, radio waves, and microwaves.

What are electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves are waves of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that travel through space at the speed of light. They do not require a medium to propagate and can move through a vacuum. Electromagnetic waves cover a broad spectrum, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays, each with different frequencies and wavelengths.

How do electromagnetic waves propagate?

Electromagnetic waves propagate through the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave travel. When an electric charge accelerates, it creates a changing electric field, which in turn induces a changing magnetic field. This interplay allows the wave to propagate through space, carrying energy and information.

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in EM waves?

The frequency and wavelength of electromagnetic waves are inversely related through the equation: c = λf, where c is the speed of light in a vacuum, λ (lambda) is the wavelength, and f is the frequency. This means that as the frequency of an electromagnetic wave increases, its wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is crucial for understanding the behavior and properties of different types of EM radiation.

What are some practical applications of electromagnetic fields and waves?

Electromagnetic fields and waves have numerous practical applications across various fields. They are used in communication technologies (such as radio, television, and mobile phones), medical imaging (like MRI and X-rays), navigation systems (such as GPS), and industrial processes (including microwave heating). Additionally, they play a vital role in scientific research and exploration, such as in spectroscopy and remote sensing.

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