Question about the Source of Electromagnetic Waves

In summary, in classical electromagnetics, the only sources of electromagnetic waves are charges and currents. However, in quantum theory, there are other sources such as changes in energy states of atoms or phonons. The energy of the E and B fields is used to excite the charge's motion, resulting in the emission of radiation.
  • #1
Vectronix
64
2
Can anyone tell me what Maxwell said is the source of electromagnetic waves? I read that accelerating charges produce EM waves; are there any other sources?
 
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  • #2
In classical electromagnetics, no. In classical electromagnetics, only charges and currents are the available sources. In quantum theory we allow for other sources such as the change in energy state of an atom or phonon which emit photons when the excited state drops down to a lower energy state.
 
  • #3
Born2bwire said:
In classical electromagnetics, no. In classical electromagnetics, only charges and currents are the available sources. In quantum theory we allow for other sources such as the change in energy state of an atom or phonon which emit photons when the excited state drops down to a lower energy state.

In other words: the energy of the E and B fields gets thrown back into a configuration where it is available to excite the charge's motion enough to induce radiation?
 

What are electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves are a type of energy that can travel through space and can be produced by the movement of electrically charged particles.

What is the source of electromagnetic waves?

The source of electromagnetic waves is the movement of electrically charged particles. This can include the movement of electrons in atoms, the flow of electric current through a wire, or the vibrations of charged particles in an antenna.

How are electromagnetic waves created?

Electromagnetic waves are created when electrically charged particles accelerate or vibrate. This results in a disturbance in the electric and magnetic fields, which propagates through space as an electromagnetic wave.

What is the speed of electromagnetic waves?

The speed of electromagnetic waves is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second, which is the speed of light in a vacuum. This is a fundamental constant in physics and is denoted by the letter "c".

What are the different types of electromagnetic waves?

There are seven different types of electromagnetic waves, listed in order of increasing frequency and energy: radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. Each type has a different wavelength and can have different effects on matter.

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