Why electromagnetic waves do not stand still?

Thread starter Yubal M
Start date Aug 8, 2016
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Electromagnetic Electromagnetic waves Waves

In summary, the fields can move because there is a delay in the value of the field at a point on the path of the wave. This delay produces a variation in field with distance and that changes in time (along with the variations of the current in the antenna).

Aug 10, 2016

davenn

Science Advisor

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2023 Award

Yubal M said:

Your answer is just turning upside down the issue without really giving any meaningful way out.

if you want to learn meaningful, then learn the physics
you are going to have to do that at a much deeper level that you seem to be prepared to do at present

The choice is yours ... simple quick answer or do a lot of study and understand the deeper answer

I suggest that maybe you should buy a copy of this and get into some study ...

41%2BM-HejEDL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1107643260/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2017

<h2>1. Why do electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light?</h2><p>Electromagnetic waves are a type of energy that consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. These fields are self-propagating, meaning they can exist and move without the need for a medium. According to Maxwell's equations, the speed of these waves is determined by the properties of free space, which is approximately equal to the speed of light.</p><h2>2. How do electromagnetic waves differ from mechanical waves?</h2><p>Unlike mechanical waves, which require a medium to travel through, electromagnetic waves can travel through empty space. This is because they are not vibrations of particles, but rather oscillations of electric and magnetic fields. Additionally, electromagnetic waves can travel at the speed of light, while mechanical waves have much slower velocities.</p><h2>3. Why do electromagnetic waves have different frequencies and wavelengths?</h2><p>The frequency and wavelength of an electromagnetic wave are inversely proportional to each other. This means that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases and vice versa. The frequency and wavelength of an electromagnetic wave depend on the source of the wave and the properties of the medium it is traveling through.</p><h2>4. How do electromagnetic waves interact with matter?</h2><p>Electromagnetic waves can interact with matter in a variety of ways. When they encounter matter, they can be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted. The type of interaction depends on the properties of the material and the frequency of the wave. For example, materials that are good conductors of electricity can reflect and absorb higher frequency waves, while transparent materials allow lower frequency waves to pass through.</p><h2>5. Why do electromagnetic waves not require a medium to travel through?</h2><p>Unlike mechanical waves, which require a medium to travel through, electromagnetic waves do not require a medium because they are self-propagating. This means that the electric and magnetic fields can sustain themselves and continue to move through space without the need for particles to vibrate. This is one of the key differences between electromagnetic and mechanical waves.</p>

Related to Why electromagnetic waves do not stand still?

1. Why do electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light?

Electromagnetic waves are a type of energy that consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. These fields are self-propagating, meaning they can exist and move without the need for a medium. According to Maxwell's equations, the speed of these waves is determined by the properties of free space, which is approximately equal to the speed of light.

2. How do electromagnetic waves differ from mechanical waves?

Unlike mechanical waves, which require a medium to travel through, electromagnetic waves can travel through empty space. This is because they are not vibrations of particles, but rather oscillations of electric and magnetic fields. Additionally, electromagnetic waves can travel at the speed of light, while mechanical waves have much slower velocities.

3. Why do electromagnetic waves have different frequencies and wavelengths?

The frequency and wavelength of an electromagnetic wave are inversely proportional to each other. This means that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases and vice versa. The frequency and wavelength of an electromagnetic wave depend on the source of the wave and the properties of the medium it is traveling through.

4. How do electromagnetic waves interact with matter?

Electromagnetic waves can interact with matter in a variety of ways. When they encounter matter, they can be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted. The type of interaction depends on the properties of the material and the frequency of the wave. For example, materials that are good conductors of electricity can reflect and absorb higher frequency waves, while transparent materials allow lower frequency waves to pass through.

5. Why do electromagnetic waves not require a medium to travel through?

Unlike mechanical waves, which require a medium to travel through, electromagnetic waves do not require a medium because they are self-propagating. This means that the electric and magnetic fields can sustain themselves and continue to move through space without the need for particles to vibrate. This is one of the key differences between electromagnetic and mechanical waves.