Electromagnetic waves propagate through space from "summary" of Fundamentals of Physics, Volume 1 (Chapters 1 - 20) by David Halliday,Robert Resnick,Jearl Walker
Electromagnetic waves are a fundamental aspect of physics, propagating through space with unique characteristics. These waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation. This perpendicular nature allows electromagnetic waves to travel freely through vacuum, as well as through various mediums such as air, water, and glass. The process of electromagnetic wave propagation involves the generation of these waves by an oscillating electric charge. As the charge oscillates, it creates changing electric and magnetic fields that move away from the source at the speed of light. This speed, denoted by the symbol c, is a universal constant and is approximately 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second in a vacuum. One key characteristic of electromagnetic waves is their ability to travel long distances without the need for a medium to transmit them. Unlike mechanical waves, such as sound waves, which require a material medium to propagate, ...
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