Electromagnetic Waves

01Electromagnetic Waves

Maxwell's electromagnetic theory

This section covers Maxwell's prediction of self-propagating electromagnetic waves and the relationship between their electric and magnetic fields.

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, EE, and magnetic field, BB, 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.
direction of travelE¯eld¯¬¯B¯eld¯: out of page¬: into pageE?Band both are perpendicular to propagation

The alternating fields continually generate one another, giving the self-propagating electromagnetic wave predicted by Maxwell.

Create a free account to continue

Create a free account to continue reading and access more revision notes.