Electromagnetic waves are a type of wave that consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. They are produced by the acceleration of electric charges and can travel through a vacuum or a medium.
When an electromagnetic wave encounters a boundary between two different materials, it can either be reflected, transmitted, or absorbed. The behavior of the wave depends on the properties of the materials and the angle of incidence.
The wavelength and frequency of an electromagnetic wave are inversely proportional. This means that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation c = λν, where c is the speed of light, λ is the wavelength, and ν is the frequency.
Electromagnetic waves can interact with matter in various ways, depending on the properties of the material. Some materials can absorb or reflect specific wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, while others can allow the waves to pass through with little or no interaction.
The electromagnetic spectrum consists of a wide range of waves, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. Each type of wave has a different frequency and wavelength and is used for different purposes in science and technology.