Transverse Nature of Electromagnetic Waves

In an electromagnetic wave, electric and magnetic field vectors are perpendicular to each other and at the same time are perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. This nature of electromagnetic wave is known as Transverse nature.

Maxwell proved that both the electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other in the direction of wave propagation. He considered an electromagnetic wave propagating along the positive x-axis. When a rectangular parallelepiped was placed parallel to the three co-ordinate axis, the electric and magnetic fields propagate sinusoidal with the x-axis and are independent of the y and z-axis.

The figure shows a rectangular parallelepiped in a positive direction.

Electromagnetic waves

The rectangular parallelepiped does not enclose any charge thus the total electric flux across it must be zero. This law is called gauss’ law, i.e.

\(\begin{array}{l} \oint \overrightarrow{E}. \overrightarrow{ds}=0 \end{array} \)

Have you ever anchored one end of a rope and held the other end in your hand? You can create a transverse wave by moving your hands in a different direction.

The electric field remains the same at different points on the x-axis; this proves that the electric field is static in nature. It is known that static fields can propagate as a wave, hence EX = 0.

The component of the electric field along the direction of propagation is zero as the electric field is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

This also proves for a magnetic field, as the magnetic field is also perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. This proves the transverse nature of electromagnetic waves to the direction of wave propagation.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1

Write some applications of electromagnetic waves?

Following are a few applications of electromagnetic waves:
  • Electromagnetic radiations can transmit energy in a vacuum or using no medium at all.
  • Electromagnetic waves play an important role in communication technology.
  • Electromagnetic waves are used in RADARS.
  • UV rays are used to detect forged bank notes. Real banknotes don’t turn fluorescent under UV light.
  • Infrared radiation is used for night vision and is used in the security camera.
Q2

What are electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves are also known as EM waves. Electromagnetic radiation is composed of electromagnetic waves that are produced when an electric field comes in contact with the magnetic field.
Q3

Define refraction.

The change in direction of a wave, while passing from one medium to another is known as refraction.
Q4

What is the sequence of propagation of EM waves?

The sequence for the propagation of electromagnetic waves is generation, propagation, reflection, and reception.
Q5

Which property of an EM wave depends on the medium in which it is travelling?

The velocity of an electromagnetic wave is a property which is dependent on the medium in which it is travelling. Other properties such as frequency, time period, and wavelength are dependent on the source that is producing the wave.

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