Question

A charged particle oscillates about its mean equilibrium position with a frequency of ${10}^{9}Hz$. The frequency of the electromagnetic wave produced by the oscillator is

• A. $10Hz$
• B. ${10}^{5}Hz$
• C. ${10}^{9}Hz$
• D. ${10}^{10}Hz$

Answer 1

The correct option is C

${10}^{9}Hz$

Step 1: Given data,

Frequency of the charged particle, $f={10}^{9}Hz$

The particle oscillates about its mean position.

Step 2: To find the frequency of the electromagnetic wave produced by the oscillator,

An oscillating or accelerated charge is supposed to be the source of an electromagnetic wave.

“ An oscillating charge produces an oscillating electric field in space which further produces an oscillating magnetic field which in turn is a source of the electric field. These oscillating electric and magnetic fields, hence, keep on regenerating each other and an electromagnetic wave is produced”. And the frequency of the produced electromagnetic waves is the same as that of the oscillating charged particles.

The frequency of produced electromagnetic wave $=$ Frequency of oscillating charge $f$.

Since the frequency of the oscillator is ${10}^{9}Hz$.

The frequency of produced electromagnetic wave $f_{em}={10}^{9}Hz$

Hence, the frequency of electromagnetic waves produced by the oscillator $f={10}^{9}Hz$.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C.