Need help understand electro magnetic waves

AI Thread Summary
Electromagnetic waves are unique in that they do not require a medium to travel, unlike other types of waves that depend on a physical medium. This characteristic allows electromagnetic radiation, including light, to propagate through the vacuum of space. The speed of light remains constant for all observers, regardless of their relative motion, which is a fundamental principle of physics. This constancy is a result of the self-propagating nature of electromagnetic waves, where a changing electric field generates a magnetic field and vice versa, as described by Maxwell's equations. The discussion clarifies that waves can be defined by their adherence to the wave equation, which does not necessitate a medium for propagation.
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How do electro magnetic waves travel?
if i am not mistaken waves are defiend as disturbances in a medium
so do electro magnetic waves travel through a certain medium? if so how is this medium formed or does it exist every where in the universe and does not need to be formed ?
 
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Electromagnetic radiation is different from other waves in that it does not require a separate medium on which to propogate. Part of the implication of this is that the speed of light is observed to be constant by all observers regardless of a frame of reference (as opposed to the speed of the car next to yours, which depends on your speed/frame of reference).
 
Electromagnetic waves are self propagating. According to Maxwell's equations a Magnetic field is created by a changing Electric field, and an Electric field is created by a changing Magnetic field. This interaction propagates through space exchanging energy between the electric and magnetic fields.
 
"if i am not mistaken waves are defiend as disturbances in a medium"

You are mistaken. "waves" are defined as anything that obeys the "wave equation" partial differential equation. That does not require a medium.
 
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