State the characteristics of the electromagnetic waves. - Vidyadip

Question

State the characteristics of the electromagnetic waves.

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Answer

1. The electromagnetic waves are transverse in nature as they propagate by oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and also perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.
2. These waves do not require any material medium for their propagation, i.e. they can travel even through vacuum.
3. The wavelength of the electromagnetic waves ranges from very small $(<1 fm )$ to very large ( $>1 km$ ). The waves are classified in the order of increasing wavelength as $\gamma$ rays, $X$ rays, ultraviolet, visible, infrared. microwave and radio waves.
4. In vacuum, the speed of electromagnetic waves does not depend on the frequency of the wave. But, in a material medium, it depends on the frequency. For a given frequency, the speed is different in different mediums.
[Note : $1 fm$ (femtometre) $=10^{15} m$.

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