How are electromagnetic waves created?

In summary, an electromagnetic wave is produced when an accelerated charge radiates EM waves due to the fluctuations of electric and magnetic fields that are induced by each other in a repetitive manner. This process continues in a cyclical fashion, resulting in the propagation of an electromagnetic wave through empty space at the speed of light.
  • #1
jena
74
0
Hi,

My question:

Explain how an electromagnetic wave is produced?

My Answer

A charged particle produces an electric field. the electric field exerts a force charged particles. Positive charges accelerate in the direction of the field and negative charges accelerate in the direction of the field and negative charges acclerate in a direction opposite to the direction of the field.

Also a moving charged particle produces a magnetic field. This field exerts a force on other moving charges. the force on those charges is always perpendicular to the direction of their velocity and therefore only changes the direction of velocity.

Since electromagnetic waves are electric and magnetic field traveling through empty space at the speed of light, then an accelerating charged particle produces an electromagnetic wave.

I know this is a bit lengthy, but is this correct to say or is there a shorter way to explain this:confused:

Thank You:smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Try this: "An accelerated charge radiates EM waves."
 
  • #3
"fluxuations in electric and magnetic field produces an electromagnetic wave"
 
  • #4
An electric field that changes with time produces a magnetic field. A magnetic field that changes with time produces an electric field.

In an electromagnetic wave, the electric field changes in such a way that the induced magnetic field also changes. In fact, the magnetic field changes in such a way that it induces an electric field that also changes. Go back to the beginning of this paragraph and repeat, over and over and over...
 

1. What is an EM wave?

An EM (electromagnetic) wave is a type of energy that is created by the movement of electrically charged particles. It consists of an oscillating electric field and a perpendicular oscillating magnetic field, which are both perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

2. How is an EM wave produced?

An EM wave is produced when electrically charged particles, such as electrons, are accelerated or decelerated. This acceleration creates a changing electric field, which in turn creates a changing magnetic field. These two fields then propagate through space as an EM wave.

3. What are the sources of EM waves?

EM waves can be produced by a variety of sources, such as radio antennas, light bulbs, and cell phones. They can also be produced by natural phenomena, such as lightning and the sun.

4. How fast do EM waves travel?

EM waves travel at the speed of light, which is approximately 3 x 10^8 meters per second in a vacuum. This speed can vary slightly depending on the medium through which the wave is traveling.

5. What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in an EM wave?

The frequency of an EM wave is inversely proportional to its wavelength. This means that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation c = fλ, where c is the speed of light, f is the frequency, and λ is the wavelength.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
260
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
151
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
208
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
2
Views
174
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
31
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
38
Views
2K
Back
Top