10. Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space without the need for a medium. These waves travel at the speed of light and are fundamental in various technologies, including communication, medical imaging, and remote sensing. The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses a wide range of wave types from radio waves to gamma rays, each with distinct properties and applications.
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What we have learnt
- Electromagnetic waves propagate at the speed of light and do not require a medium.
- The electromagnetic spectrum includes various types of waves with different wavelengths and frequencies.
- Electromagnetic waves have diverse applications in communication systems, medical imaging, remote sensing, and everyday life.
Key Concepts
- -- Electromagnetic Waves
- Waves that consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields, capable of traveling through a vacuum.
- -- Electromagnetic Spectrum
- The range of all electromagnetic waves organized by frequency and wavelength, from radio waves to gamma rays.
- -- Refractive Index
- A dimensionless number that describes how fast light travels through a medium compared to its speed in a vacuum.
- -- Transverse Waves
- Waves in which the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of the wave's advance.
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