The nature of electromagnetic waves
Maxwell developed equations linking electric and magnetic fields. They predicted travelling disturbances consisting of oscillating electric and magnetic fields: electromagnetic waves.
An accelerating charge produces a changing electric field. This is associated with a changing magnetic field, which in turn produces a changing electric field. The linked fields can therefore propagate without requiring a material medium.
- The electric field, , and magnetic field, , oscillate in phase.
- The two fields oscillate at right angles to each other.
- Both field oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
- Electromagnetic waves are therefore transverse.
The alternating fields continually generate one another, giving the self-propagating electromagnetic wave predicted by Maxwell.