Electromagnetic waves

Definition

Electromagnetic waves are oscillations of electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space. They travel at the speed of light and do not require a medium.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Electromagnetic waves can be produced by accelerating charges, such as electrons.
2. They carry energy, which is proportional to the square of the amplitude of the electric and magnetic fields.
3. The speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is approximately $3 \times 10^8$ meters per second (the speed of light).
4. Electromagnetic waves can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties, known as wave-particle duality.
5. The electromagnetic spectrum includes different types of waves such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Review Questions

• How are electromagnetic waves produced?
• What is the relationship between the energy carried by an electromagnetic wave and its amplitude?
• Name three different types of electromagnetic waves found in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Related terms

Electromagnetic Spectrum: The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation based on their wavelengths or frequencies.

Speed of Light:

The constant speed at which light travels in a vacuum, approximately $3 \times 10^8$ meters per second.

Wave-Particle Duality:

The concept that every particle or quantum entity may be described as either a particle or a wave.