Propagating Wave: Explaining Oscillation & Sine Wave

[Cerkit]

Hi. Can someone explain for a propagating wave (ie an EM wave) when it is represented as oscillating and portrayed as a sine wave. What does the oscillation physically mean? Energy is being transferred as the wave propagates but what does the oscillation actually mean?

 

[Dale]

what does the oscillation actually mean?

It means that a small positive test charge placed anywhere the field is oscillating would experience an oscillating force.

 

[Cerkit]

Ok. So what is it about the source of the wave that causes the oscillation?

 

[Dale]

I don't know what kind of an answer you are looking for here.

 

[Niles]

Ok. So what is it about the source of the wave that causes the oscillation?

Oscillating dipoles create EM-waves with the same frequency as the oscillation itself.