To understand the propagation of electromagnetic waves, it is important to understand what is an electromagnetic wave. Electromagnetic waves are created as a result of vibrations produced between an electric field and the magnetic field.
The propagation of electromagnetic waves through the vacuum happens at a speed of 3*108ms-1 and the propagation of electromagnetic waves through any medium happens at a speed which is less than that of the speed in the vacuum.
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Modes of Propagation of Electromagnetic Waves
The electromagnetic waves are propagated from the transmitter antenna to the receiver antenna in the following ways:
- Ground waves: When the electromagnetic waves are propagated along the surface, the propagation is known as ground wave propagation.
- Space waves: When the electromagnetic waves propagate from the transmitter antenna to the receiver antenna without any reflection or refraction, the propagation is known as space wave propagation.
- Sky waves: When the electromagnetic waves are propagated through the sky and get reflected back to the earth from the ionosphere, the propagation is known as sky wave propagation.
Properties of electromagnetic waves
Following are the properties of propagation of electromagnetic waves:
- These waves travel at the speed of light.
- For propagation of these waves medium is not required.
- These waves undergo interference and diffraction and can be polarized.
- These waves do not get deflected by an electric or magnetic field.
- These waves travel in transverse form.
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q1
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. It can also be said that electromagnetic waves are the composition of oscillating electric and magnetic fields.
Q2
Name the property of an electromagnetic wave which is dependent on the medium in which it is travelling.
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.
Q3
What is the sequence for propagation of electromagnetic waves?
The sequence for propagation of electromagnetic waves is generation, propagation, reflection, and reception.
Q4
What is ground wave propagation?
Ground wave propagation is a type of radio propagation which is also known as a surface wave. These waves propagate over the earth’s surface in low and medium frequencies. These are mainly used for transmission between the surface of the earth and the ionosphere.
Q5
Write some properties of electromagnetic waves?
- These waves travel at the speed of light.
- For propagation of these waves medium is not required.
- These waves undergo interference and diffraction and can be polarised.
Learn the basics of electromagnetism in this video.
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