Question

State the characteristics of e.m. waves.

Answer 1

Characteristics of e.m. waves are:

1. The e.m. waves consist of electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
2. They are transverse in nature.
3. The rate of flow of energy per unit area is \(\overrightarrow E \times \overrightarrow B\) and is along the direction of propagation.
4. The oscillations of \(\overrightarrow E\) and \(\overrightarrow B\)  are in plane with each other.
5. The wave velocity is given by c = \(\frac{1}{\sqrt\mu \varepsilon}\) and the flow of energy takes place also with the same speed.
6. Electric energy density = \(\frac{1}{2}\)  εE²

= Magnetic energy density

= \(\frac{1}{2}\) µB²