What is the extent of the electric field in electromagnetic waves?

In summary, Electromagnetic waves involve an electron emitting changes in electric and magnetic fields, which extend to infinite distances along the time axis. The wavefront itself determines the extent of the electric field, which is not infinite.
  • #1
Savy
Hello.

Just a noob question about electromagnetic waves.
An electron "wiggles" and sends out a change in electric field, which creates a change in magnetic field, which creates a change in electric field etc etc.

My question is, because the photon travels to virtually infinite distances, does that mean the electric field of the electron is infinite? Or is it that the wavefront itself effectively extents the electric field indefinitely?

Sorry if this question doesn't seem clear, not very good at getting a point across via text!

Thanks in advance.
Savy
 
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  • #2
I think I know what you are asking so I will try to answer.

Don't forget the time axis when talking about 'infinite'. Your electric and magnetic waves are plotted along the time axis, not a space one.

Alternatively the wave reaches a certain distance form the origin after a certain time. Before this time there is no wave beyond this distance. This of course refers to the wavefront.
 

What are electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves are a type of energy that is created by the movement of electrically charged particles. They consist of both electric and magnetic fields that oscillate perpendicular to each other and travel through space at the speed of light. Examples of electromagnetic waves include radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.

How do electromagnetic waves travel?

Electromagnetic waves travel through space as transverse waves, which means that the oscillations of the electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to the direction of travel. They do not require a medium to travel and can travel through a vacuum. The speed of electromagnetic waves is constant at approximately 3x10^8 meters per second in a vacuum.

What are the properties of electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves have several properties, including wavelength, frequency, amplitude, and speed. Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in the wave, while frequency is the number of waves that pass a specific point in a given time. Amplitude is the height of the wave, and it is directly related to the energy carried by the wave. The speed of electromagnetic waves is constant in a vacuum, but it can change when passing through different materials.

How are electromagnetic waves produced?

Electromagnetic waves are produced by the acceleration of electrically charged particles. This can happen naturally, such as in the case of lightning, or it can be created artificially, such as in radio or television antennas. When electrons are accelerated, they create a changing electric field, which in turn creates a changing magnetic field. These changing fields then continue to create each other, resulting in the propagation of electromagnetic waves.

What are the applications of electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves have a wide range of applications in various fields. Some common uses include communication (radio waves, microwaves), heating (infrared radiation), lighting (visible light), medical imaging (X-rays), and sterilization (gamma rays). They are also used in technologies such as radar, GPS, and satellite communication. Understanding electromagnetic waves is crucial for developing and improving these applications for everyday use.

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