answersLogoWhite

0

Electromagnetic waves were first postulated by James Clerk Maxwell and subsequently confirmed by Heinrich Hertz. Maxwell derived a wave form of the electric and magnetic equations, revealing the wave-like nature of electric and magnetic fields, and their symmetry. Because the speed of EM waves predicted by the wave equation coincided with the measured speed of light, Maxwell concluded that light itself is an EM wave. According to Maxwell's equations, a time-varying electric field generates a magnetic field and vice versa. Therefore, as an oscillating electric field generates an oscillating magnetic field, the magnetic field in turn generates an oscillating electric field, and so on. These oscillating fields together form an electromagnetic wave. A quantum theory of the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter such as electrons is described by the theory of quantum electrodynamics.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Earth Science

What is the most common type of wave?

The most common type of wave is the transverse wave, where the oscillations of the wave are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. Sound waves, electromagnetic waves, and ocean waves are examples of transverse waves.


A wave whose energy travels the same way as it was transferred?

A transverse wave is a type of wave where the disturbance moves perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. This means that the energy travels in the same direction as it was transferred. Examples of transverse waves include light waves and electromagnetic waves.


Why is light considered an electromagnetic wave?

When it was determined that light exhibits all of the properties of wave motion, including refraction, reflection, diffraction, and dispersion, and that its speed is exactly determined by the electrical characteristics of the medium through which it propagates, just like radio, heat, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays, and as predicted by the wave equation that Maxwell derived from the properties of electricity and magnetism, it then began to dawn on cutting-edge researchers that light is also an electromagnetic wave. In short, the answer to the question "why" is: Because it IS one.


Wave that can travel through an empty space?

An electromagnetic wave, such as light or radio waves, can travel through empty space because they do not require a medium to propagate. This is due to their unique properties of electric and magnetic fields oscillating in tandem at right angles to each other.


What type of wave has the longest wavelength?

Radio waves are amongst the shortest. Gamma and X rays are shorter. The long wave lengths are at the other end of the electromagnetic spectrum. These are called 'infra red,

Related Questions

Is light considered a electromagnetic wave?

Light is said to be of dual nature so it has particle nature as well as wave nature but there is a difference in waves and electromagnetic waves. so ,as for your question "Is light a electromagnetic wave" the answer is "no"More precisely, if visible is not an electromagnetic wave, the NO part of the electromagnetic spectrum could be considered to be an electromagnetic wave. By any definition of the term, the answer is 'Yes'


What type of wave is a light wave an example of?

Light is an example of a electromagnetic wave.


Which wave is not electromagnetic wave?

Mexican Wave? A non-electromagnetic wave.


What type of wave is not an electromagnetic wave?

A mechanical wave is not an electromagnetic wave.


What is the name of the wave that deals with light?

An electromagnetic wave.


What kind of wave does electromagnetic energy travel in?

The wave is called an electromagnetic wave.


Is light a mechanial wave or an electromagnetic wave A tranverse wave or a compressional wave?

electromagnetic, transverse


Which type of energy travels in waves?

An electromagnetic wave, such as light.An electromagnetic wave, such as light.An electromagnetic wave, such as light.An electromagnetic wave, such as light.


Is the light wave electromagnetic or no?

The light wave is electromagnetic yes.


Is light an electromagnetic wave?

Yes, light is an electromagnetic wave.


Is electromagnetic a transverse wave?

Yes, electromagnetic radiation does travel as a transverse wave


What do you call energy transferred as an electromagnetic wave?

I would call it an electromagnetic wave, or electromagnetic energy.