Electromagnetic wave emission after source vanishes

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SUMMARY

Electromagnetic waves can continue to propagate even after the source of the disturbance, such as a charge, has vanished. When a charge accelerates, it creates a changing electric field, which in turn generates a changing magnetic field, allowing the waves to sustain each other. This phenomenon is analogous to throwing a pebble into a pond, where the initial waves continue to radiate outward despite the absence of new waves being generated at the source. Thus, the emission of electromagnetic waves does not cease immediately when the source stops emitting.

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PeteyCoco
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I'm reading about electromagnetic waves and I can't make sense of their self-sustaining nature. If a charge accelerates for a moment and then stops a disturbance in the electric field is sent out. This changing electric field creates a changing magnetic field and they continue to sustain each other, propagating infinitely outward. Now, if the source charge were to vanish there would still be a changing E/B field in its immediate vicinity which will continue to exist. Wouldn't this mean that the waves are emitted forever?
 
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Nevermind. Stupid question.
 
no, not a stupid question

Yes the EM wave continues to propagate outwards after the source stops emitting

not really too different than if you throw a pebble into a pond, the initially generated waves will still radiate outwards, even tho new waves are not being created at the source

Dave
 

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