PHYSICS

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STUDY PACKAGE – 02
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 Electromagnetic Waves
AIEEE Syllabus
Electromagnetic waves and their characteristics. Transverse nature of
electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic spectrum (radio waves,
CHAPTER
7
microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays). Applications
of e.m. waves

ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES THIS CHAPTER

Electromagnetic waves are nonmechanical waves. They transport energy and COVERS :
momentum and carries information. They are transverse in nature and hence
they can be polarised.  Electromagnetic

An electromagnetic wave is the one constituted by oscillating electric and

Waves
magnetic fields which oscillate in two mutually perpendicular planes; the wave 
Important points of
itself propagates in a direction perpendicular to both the directions of
electromagnetic
oscillations of electric and magnetic fields.
waves
characteristics
Important Points Regarding Electromagnetic Waves Characteristics
y
 Electromagnetic
Spectrum
E
 Maxwell’s equation
E0
 Applications of
electromagnetic
x-axis waves
(direction of propagation
B0 is E × B)
B (Transverse in nature)

z
1. Both electric and magnetic field vary in phase with each other.

2. Ey = E0 sin (t – kx), BZ = B0 sin (t – kx), speed v 
k

1 1
3. In vacuum, c  . In a medium v  . Ref ractive index
0 0 
c
   r r .
v
E E0 Erms
4.   = c (speed)
B B0 Brms

1 1 B02 1 1 B02
5. Average energy density U aV   0E 02    0E 02 
2 2 0 4 4 0

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 Electromagnetic Waves IIT - JEE/NEET

6. Poynting vector S represents instantaneous intensity at a point

E B EB
S  or S . Here E  B represents the direction of flow of energy..
0 0
7. Intensity : Average rate of flow of energy in a direction per unit time per unit area.

ErmsBrms 1 E 0B0
I = Sav = 
0 2 0

I
I = c × Uav or U av 
c
P
For a point source of power P, Intensity at a distance r from the source is I  .
4r 2
I P
Now U av  
c 4r 2 c

1 P P
  0 E02   E0 
2 4r 2 c 2 r 2 c  0

E0 P 0
B0  
c 2r 2 c

8. Radiation pressure
(a) For perfectly absorbing surface P = I/c
(b) For perfectly reflecting surface P = 2I/c
(c) For all other surfaces I/c < P < 2I/c

ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
All the known radiations form a big family of electromagnetic waves. We call this family as the complete
electromagnetic spectrum. It includes: gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared light,
microwaves and radio waves.
Electromagnetic Spectrum

S.No. Name Wavelength Range Frequency Range (Hz) Source

1. Gamma rays 1 × 10–14 m to 1 × 10–10 m 3 × 1022 to 3 × 1018 Nuclear origin

2. X-rays 1 × 10–12 m to 1 × 10–8 m 3 × 1021 to 3 × 1016 Atomic excitation of high
atomic number elements or
deceleration of electron
3. Ultra-violet 6 × 10–10 m to 3.8 × 10–7 m 5 × 1017 to 7 × 1014 Excitation of atom, spark
and arc lamp
4. Visible light 3.8 × 10–7 m to 7.8 × 10–7 m 7 × 1014 to 4 × 1014 Molecules/atomic
excitation
5. Infra red 7.8 × 10–7 m to 1 × 10–3 m 4 × 1014 to 3 × 1011 Excitation of atoms or
molecules
6. Microwaves 1 × 10–4 m to 1 × 10–1 m 3 × 1012 to 3 × 109 Hot bodies and oscillating
circuit

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 IIT - JEE/NEET Electromagnetic Waves

S.No. Name Wavelength Range Frequency Range (Hz) Source

7. Radiowaves 1 × 10–3 m to 100 km 3 × 1011 to 3 × 103 Oscillating circuit

- Extra high freq. 1 × 10–3 m to 1 × 10–2 m 3 × 1011 to 3 × 1010
- Super high freq. 1 × 10–2 m to 1 × 10–1 m
- Ultra high freq. 1 × 10–1 m to 1m
3 × 1010 to 3 × 109
3 × 109 to 3 × 108 
- Very high freq.
- High freq.
- Medium freq.
1 m to 10 m
10 m to 100 km
100 m to 1 km
3 × 108 to 3 × 107
3 × 107 to 3 × 106
3 × 106 to 3 × 105
 Radio waves

- Low freq.
- Very low freq.
1 km to 10 km
10 km to 100 km
3 × 105 to 3 × 104
3 × 104 to 3 × 103

APPLICATIONS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
The following are some of the uses of electromagnetic waves.
1. Radio and micro wave radiations are used in radio and T.V. communication systems
2. Infrared radiations are used (a) in revealing the secret writings on the ancient walls (b) in green houses
to keep the plants warm (c) In warfare, for looking through haze, fog or mist as these radiations can pass
through them.
3. Ultraviolet radiations are used in the detection of invisible writing, forged documents, finger prints in forensic
laboratory and to preserve the food stuffs.
4. The study of Infrared, visible and ultraviolet radiations helped us to know through spectra, the structure of
the molecules and arrangement of electrons in the external shells.
5. X-rays can pass through flesh and blood but not through bones. This property of X-rays is used in medical
diagnosis, after X-rays photographs are made.
6. The study of X-rays has revealed the atomic structure and crystal structure.
7. The study of -rays provides us valuable information about the structure of the atomic nuclei
8. Electromagnetic waves of suitable frequencies are used in medical science for the treatment of various
diseases.
9. Super high frequency electromagnetic waves (3000 to 30,000 MHz) are used in Radar and Satellite
communication.
10. Electric waves (frequency 50 to 60 Hz) are used for lighting. These are weak waves having wavelength
5 × 106 to 6 × 106 m and can be produced from A.C. circuits.

  

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