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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES (T.N.) PAGE # 1

ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
Basic concepts and Formulae :
1. Electromagnetic Waves :
The wavepropagatinginspacethroughelectricandmagneticfieldsvaryinginspaceandtimesimultaneously
are calledelectromagnetic waves.
2. Origin:
The electromagnetic waves are produced by an accelerated or decelerated charge or LCcircuit. the
frequencyof e.m. waves is
V =
LC 2
1
t
3. Characteristics of Electromagnetic Waves :
(i) The electromagnetic wave travel in free - space with the speed of light (c =3 10
8
m/s)
(ii) Electromagnetic waves are neutral, so theyare not deflected byelectric andmagnetic fields.
(iii) The electromagnetic waves shown properties of refraction, interference, diffractionandpolarization.
(iv) In electromagnetic wave the electric and magnetic fields are always in the same phase.
(v) The ratio of magnitudes of electric andmagnetic field vectors infree space is constant equal to c.
0 0

1
B
E
c
=
= c = 3 10
8
m/s
(vi) The speedof electromagnetic waves ina material mediumis given by
V =
c
1
=
T T

1
c
=
n
c
Where nis the refractive index.
(vii) In anelectromagnetic wave the energyis propagated bymeans of electric and magnetic field vectors in
the direction of propagation of wave.
(viii) Inelectromagnetic wave the average values of electric energydensityandmagnetic energydensities are
equal
av
0
2
av
2
0
2
B
E
2
1
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
|
.
|

\
|
c
(ix) the electric vector of electromagnetic wave is responsible for optical effects and also called the light
vector.
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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES (T.N.) PAGE # 2
4. Transverse Nature of Electromagnetic waves
The electromagneticwaves are transverse innature. Inelectromagnetic waves theelectric andmagnetic
fields are mutuallyperpendicular andalso perpendicular tothe directions of wave propagationsuchthat
B . E

and K

forma right handed set ( K

is propagation vector along the direction of propagation.)

5. Electromagnetic Spectrum
The electromagnetic waves have continuous wavelength startingfromshout gamma rayto longradio
waves. The orderlydistribution of wavelengthof emwaves is calledtheelectromagnetic spectrum. The
complete spectrumis giveninthefollowingtable.
S.No. Name Wavelength range (m) Frequency range (Hz)
1 Gamma rays 10
13
- 10
10
3 10
21
- 3 10
18
2 X-rays
10
10
- 10
8
3 10
18
- 3 10
16
3 UV-rays
10
8
- 4 10
7
3 10
18
- 7.5 10
14
4 Visible light
4 10
7
- 7.5 10
7
7.5 10
14
- 4 10
14
5 Infra red Light
7.5 10
7
- 10
3
4 10
14
- 3 10
11
6 Microwaves
10
3
- 3 10
2
3 10
11
- 10
10
7 Radio Waves 3 10
2
- 10
4
10
10
- 3 10
4
6. Wavelength range of visible spectrum:
Visible light has a continuous wavelengthstartingfrom400 nmto750 nm. for convenience it is divided
into7 colours.
V Violet 400 nm 420 nm
I Indigo 420 nm 450 nm
B Blue 450 nm 500 nm
G Green 500 nm 570 nm
Y Yellow 570 nm 600 nm
O Orange 600 nm 650 nm
R Red 650 nm 750 nm
7. Uses of electromagnetic spectrum
(i) - rays are highlypenetrating, theycan penetrate thick iron blocks. Due tohigh energy, theyare used
to produce nuclear reactions. Hard - rays are used in radiotherapy.
(ii) X- rays are used in medical diagnostics to detect fractures in bones, tuberculosis of lungs, presence
of stone in gallbladder and kidney. Theyare used in engineeringto check flows in bridges. In physics
X-rays are used to studycrystal structure.
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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES (T.N.) PAGE # 3
(iii) Ultraviolet rays provide vitamin D. These are harmful for skin and eyes. They are used to sterilise
drinkingwater and surgical instruments. Theyare used to detect invisible writing, forged documents,
finger prints inforensic lab and topreserver food stuffs.
(iv) Infrared rays are used for long distance photographyand for therapeutic purposes.
(v) Radio waves are used for broadcasting programmes to distant places. Accordingto frequencyrange,
theyare dividedintofollowinggroups
Mediumfrequencyband or mediumwave 0.3 to 3 MHz
Short waves or short frequency band 3 MHz 30 MHz
Veryhigh frequency(VHF) band 30 MHz to 300 MHz
Ultrahigh frequency(UHF) band 300 MHz to 3000 MHz
Microwaves 3 GHz to 300 GHz
SOLVED PROBLEMS
Q.1 What ismeant bythetransversenatureof electromagneticwave?Drawadiagramshowingthepropagation
of anelectromagneticwave alongx-direction, indicatingclearlythe directions of oscillatingelectric and
magnetic fields associatedwithit.
[Sol. Transverse natureof electromagnetic waves:
In an electromagnetic waves, the electric and magnetic fields vectors oscillate, perpendicular to the
direction of propagation of wave. This is called transverse nature of electromagnetic wave.
z
y
x
B
B E
B of Envelope
E of Envelope
In an electromagnetic wave, the three K and B , E

forma right handed system. Accordingif a wave is
propagatingalongx-axis, theelectricfieldvector oscillates alongy-axisandmagneticfieldvector oscillates
alongz-axis. ]
Q.2 Give twocharacteristics of electromagnetic waves. Write the expressionfor velocityof electromagnetic
waves interms of permittivityandpermeabilityof the medium.
[Sol. Characteristics of electromagnetic waves:
Electromagnetic waves travel in free space with speed of light c =3 10
8
m/s
Electromagnetic wave are transverse in nature.
Expression for velocityof electromagnetic waves in vacuum, c =
0 0
1
c
. ]
Q.3 Identifythe part of the electromagnetic spectrumwhich is :
(i) Suitable for radar systems usedinaircraft navigation.
(ii) Adjacent tolowfrequencyend of the electromagnetic spectrum.
(iii) Producedinnuclear reactions.
(iv) Produced bybombardinga metal target byhigh speed electrons.
[Sol. (i) Microwaves; (ii) Radio waves ; (iii) Gamma rays ; (iv) X-rays. ]
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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES (T.N.) PAGE # 4
Q.4 Electromagneticradiationswithwavelength
(i)
1
are used to kill germs in water purifiers.
(ii)
2
are usedin TVcommunication system.
(iii)
3
playanimportant role inmaintainingthe earth's warmth.
Name the part of electromagnetic spectrumtowhichthese radiations belong. Arrange these wavelength
indecreasingorder of their magnitude.
[Sol. (i)
1
corresponds to ultraviolet spectrum.
(ii)
2
corresponds to radio waves
(iii)
3
corresponds to infrared order

2
>
3
>
1
. ]
Q.5 Name thefollowingconstituent radiations of electromagnetic spectrumwhich
(i) produce intense heatingeffect
(ii) is absorbed byozone layer in the atmosphere
(iii) is used for studying crystal structure.
Write some more applications for eachof these radiations
[Sol.
(i) Infrared radiations produce intense heatingeffect.
One more application: Infrared radiations are used for taking photographs duringthe conditions of fog
and smoke etc.
(ii) Ultraviolet radiations are absorbed bythe ozone layer in the atmosphere.
One more application: Ultraviolet radiations are used to destroybacteria and for sterilizing surgical
instruments.
(iii) X-rays are used to studycrystal structure.
One more application: X-rays are usedto diagnose diseases anddefects e.g. crack in bones, detection
of tumour, stone in kidneyandgall bladder etc.]
Q.6 Write the order of frequencyrange and one use of each of the followingelectromagnetic radiations:
(i) Microwaves
(ii) Ultraviolet rays
(iii) Gamma rays
[Sol.
(i) Microwaves: Frequencyrange 3 10
11
Hz 1 10
8
Hz. These are suitable for the radar systems,
usedinaircraft navigation.
(ii) Ultraviolet rays: Frequency range 1 10
16
Hz 8 10
14
Hz. They are used to detect invisible
writing, forgeddocuments andfinger prints.
(iii) Gamma rays: Frequencyrange 5 10
20
Hz 3 10
19
Hz. Use for the treatment of cancer cells.]
Q.7 Name theconstituent radiationof electromagneticspectrumwhich
(a) is usedinsatellitecommunication.
(b) is used for studyingcrystal structure.
(c) is similar tothe radiationemittedduringthe decayof radioactive nuclei
(d) has its wavelength range between 390 nmto 700 nm
(e) is absorbed fromsunlight byozone layer.
(f ) produces intense heatingeffect.
[Sol.
(a) Short radio waves <10 mor v >30 MHz are used in satellite communication.
(b) X-rays are usedfor studyingcrystal structure.
(c) -radiation is similar tothe radiationemitted duringthe decayof radioactive nuclei.
(d) Visible radiationhas a wavelength range of 390 nm 700 nm.
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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES (T.N.) PAGE # 5
(e) Ultraviolet light is absorbedfromsunlight byozone layer.
(f ) Infrared radiationproduces intense heatingeffect. ]
Q.8 Draw the labelled diagram of Hertz's experimental set-up to produce electromagnetic waves.
Explainthe generationof electromagnetic waves usingthe set-up.
[Sol. Hertz's Experimental Arrangement:
It consists of two large metal spheres S
1
and S
2
, which are attached to large metal plates P
1
and P
2
. The
spheres are connectedto induction coil I. Induction coil provides high voltages across the gap.
Adetector consisting of a single loop of wire connected to two spheres D
1
and D
2
is used to detect the
electromagnetic waves
0.35cm
D
1
D
2
gap
S
1
S
2
P
1
P
2
S
S
D
Detector
P
P
Generation of electromagnetic waves:
Byinterruptingcurrent in inductioncoil, a highvoltage is appliedacross thegap betweenS
1
andS
2
. The
highvoltage so produced ionises the air across the jumpingbetween the gap. The spark gap consists of
electrons and ions produced due to ionisation of air. These charge particles oscillate back and forth
which result in production of electromagnetic waves is determined bythe inductance and capacitance
provided byplates. The frequencyis given bywires that formthe gap.
v =
LC 2
1
t
The circuit is equivalent toLnCcircuit, where thecoil provides theinductanceandspherical electrodes
provide the capacitance. As inductance Land capacitance Care verysmall, the frequencyof oscillations
f =
LC 2
1
t
is veryhigh. Therefore, the circuit generates electromagnetic waves of veryhighfrequency..
The detector is placed in such a position that the magnetic field produced bythe oscillating current is
perpendicular to the plane of the detector coil. This oscillating magnetic across the gap. This clearly
demonstrates the productionof electromagnetic waves.
Hertz failed to detect the spark if the gap D
1
, D
2
of detector coil was perpendicular to gap S
1
, S
2
. By
this experiment the electromagnetic wave of wavelength 5 mcoul be produced.]
Q.9 Suppose that the electric field of anelectromagnetic wave invacuumis
E

= {(3.1 N/C cos (1.8 rad/m) y + (5.4 10

4
rad/s)t}
(a) What is the direction of propagation?
(b) What is the wavelength ?
(c) What is the frequencyv?
(d) What is the amplitude of the magnetic field part of the wave?
(e) Write an expression for the magnetic field part of the wave?
[Sol.
(a) Wave is propagatingalong negative y- axis
(b) Standard equation of wave is i

) t ky cos( E E
0
e + =

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES (T.N.) PAGE # 6
Comparingthe given equation with standardequation, we have
E
0
= 3.1 N/C, K = 1.8 rad/ m, e= 5.4 10
8
rad/s
Propagation constant K=

t 2
=
k
2t
=
8 . 1
14 . 3 2
m = 3.49 m
(c) We have e= 5.4 10
6
rad/s
Frequency, v =
t
e
2
=
14 . 3 2
10 4 . 5
6

Hz = 8.6 10
5
Hz.
(d) Amplitude of magnetic field , B
0
=
8
0
10 3
1 . 3
C
E

=
= 1.03 10
8
T
(e) The magnetic field is vibratingalongZ-axis because
B , E , K

froma right handedsystem
expression for magnetic field is
B

= B
0
cos
k

) t ky ( e +
= [1.03 10
8
T cos{(1.8 rad/m)}y + (5.4 10
8
rad/s)t)
k

. ]
Q.10 Figure represents a capacitor made of two circular plates each of radius r = 12 cmand separated by
d =5.0 mm. The capacitor is being charged byand external source. The charging current is constant
I = 0.15 A.
(i) Calculate the rate of change of electric field between the plates.
(ii) Find the displacement current across the plates.
(iii) Is Kirchhoff's first rule validat eachplate of capacitor? Explain
d
l
[Sol.
(i) Let Cbe the capacitance of capacitor and q the ins11tantaneous charge on plates, then
q = CV

dt
dV
C
dt
dq
=
If E is the electric field between the plates, then V= Ed

) Ed (
dt
d
C
dt
dq
=
i.e. I = Cd
dt
dE

2
0
0
0 r
1
A
1
d
d
A
1
Cd
1
dt
dE
t c
=
c
=
c
+ =
Here, I = 0.15 A, r = 12 cm = 12 10
2
m
Rate of change of electric field between the plates.
dt
dE
=
) 10 12 ( 14 . 3 10 85 . 8
15 . 0
2 12

= 3.14 10
11
Vm
1
s
1
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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES (T.N.) PAGE # 7
(ii) Displacement current I
d
=
I
A
1
A
dt
dE
A
0
0 0
=
c
c = c
=conductingcurrent =0.15AA
(iii) Yes, Kirchhoff's lawholds at each plate of capacitor since displacement current is equal to condition
current. ]
Unsolvedproblems
Q.1 State four properties of electromagnetic waves.
Q.2 Explain the terms (i) ground waves (ii) skywaves
Q.3 Write Maxwell's equations for electromagnetic waves.
Q.4 Howare electromagnetic waves produced? Give the formula for frequencyof waves produced.
Q.5 What is height and role of ozone layer?
Q.6 Have you heardabout the damage of ozone layer? What factors do youthink have caused this damage?
Q.7 Ina plane electromagnetic wave, the electric fieldoscillates at a frequencyof 2.0 10
10
Hz. What is the
wavelengthof the wave?
Q.8 Theelectricfieldvector inanEMWtravellinginfreespacehasamplitude120N/C. Determineelectrostatic
energydensityandthe amplitude of themagnetic fieldvector.
Q.9 Anelectromagneticwaveof wavelength1mmis propagatingalongx-axis. thedirectionof magneticfield
vector is alongz - axis. What is the frequencyof wave ? What is the direction of propagationof wave ?
Q.10 Compare and contrast between x - rays and -rays?
Q.11 State complete electromagnetic spectrum. Give at least one use of each part.
Q.12 What do you mean byground waves and skywave? Whyis the transmission of signals using ground
wave restrictedto frequencies less thanabout 1500 kHz? Whycannot T.V. signals bebroadcastedusing
skywaves?
Board Problems
Q.1 Whichconstituent radiation of the electromagnetic spectrumis used [2004]
(i) inradar,
(ii) to photograph internal parts of a human body, and
(iii) for takingphotographs of theskyduringlight andfoggyconditions?
Give one reason for your answer in each case.
Q.2 What is the ratio of speed of -rays and radio waves in vacuum? [2001]
Q.3 It is necessaryto use satellites for longdistance TVtransmission, why? [2005]
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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES (T.N.) PAGE # 8
Q.4 Name the electromagnetic radiations used for studyingthe crystal structure of solids. [2007]
Q.5 Towhichregions of the electromagnetic spectrum, thefollowingwavelengths belong? [2007]
2,000 , 5,000 , 10,000 , and 1.0
Q.6 The oscillatingelectric fieldof anelectromagnetic wave is givenby: [2008]
E
y
= 30 sin (2 10
11
t + 300 tx) Vm
1
(a) Obtain the value of wavelength of the electromagnetic wave
(b) Writhedownthe expressionfor oscillatingelectric field.
Q.7 The oscillatingmagnetic fieldinaplane electromagnetic wave is givenby [2008]
B
y
= ( 8 10
6
) sin [2 10
11
t + 300 tx]T
(i) Calculatethe wavelengthof the electromagnetic wave
(ii) Write downthe expressionfor the oscillations electric field
Q.8 Identifythe part of the electromagnetic spectrumto which the followingwavelengths belong. [2008]
Q.9 Nametheelectromagnetic waves that havefrequencies greater thanthoseof ultraviolet light but less than
those of gamma rays. [2009]
Q.10 When can a charge acts a source of electromagnetic wave? How are the directions of electric and
magneticfieldvectors inanelectromagneticwaverelatedtoeachother andtothedirectionof propagation
of thewave ? Whichphysical quantity, if anyhas the same value of wave belongingtothedifferent parts
of theelectromagnetic spectrum? [2009]