Need help understand electro magnetic waves

In summary, electromagnetic waves are self-propagating and do not require a medium to travel through. This is due to the interaction between electric and magnetic fields, according to Maxwell's equations. Unlike other waves, the speed of light is constant for all observers, regardless of their frame of reference.
  • #1
Anzas
87
0
How do electro magnetic waves travel?
if i am not mistaken waves are defiend as disturbances in a medium
so do electro magnetic waves travel through a certain medium? if so how is this medium formed or does it exist every where in the universe and does not need to be formed ?
 
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  • #2
Electromagnetic radiation is different from other waves in that it does not require a separate medium on which to propogate. Part of the implication of this is that the speed of light is observed to be constant by all observers regardless of a frame of reference (as opposed to the speed of the car next to yours, which depends on your speed/frame of reference).
 
  • #3
Electromagnetic waves are self propagating. According to Maxwell's equations a Magnetic field is created by a changing Electric field, and an Electric field is created by a changing Magnetic field. This interaction propagates through space exchanging energy between the electric and magnetic fields.
 
  • #4
"if i am not mistaken waves are defiend as disturbances in a medium"

You are mistaken. "waves" are defined as anything that obeys the "wave equation" partial differential equation. That does not require a medium.
 

FAQ: Need help understand electro magnetic waves

What are electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves are a type of energy that is created when an electric field and a magnetic field interact with each other. They are also known as light waves and are responsible for all forms of light and radiation in the universe.

What is the difference between electromagnetic waves and other types of waves?

Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to travel through, unlike other types of waves such as sound waves which need a medium like air or water. They can also travel at the speed of light, making them the fastest type of wave.

How are electromagnetic waves generated?

Electromagnetic waves are generated by the movement of charged particles, such as electrons. When these charged particles accelerate, they create an electric field. The changing electric field then creates a magnetic field, and the two fields together form an electromagnetic wave.

What are the different types of electromagnetic waves?

There are seven main types of electromagnetic waves, each with a different wavelength and frequency. These include radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.

How are electromagnetic waves used in everyday life?

Electromagnetic waves have many practical uses in our daily lives. For example, radio waves are used for communication, microwaves for cooking, infrared radiation for remote controls, visible light for vision, and X-rays for medical imaging. They are also used in technology such as cell phones, televisions, and GPS devices.

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