How do electromagnetic waves propagate and what are their characteristics?

Electromagnetic waves propagate by the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields. These oscillations are perpendicular to each other and also to the direction of propagation. This means that the oscillations of the electric field and the magnetic field are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation.

Characteristics of Electromagnetic Waves:-

As the electric field oscillates, it creates a changing magnetic field, and as the magnetic field oscillates, it creates a changing electric field. This creates a self-sustaining cycle of oscillation, allowing the wave to propagate through space. Electromagnetic waves do not need a medium to travel through, they can travel through a vacuum.

The speed of electromagnetic waves is a constant, known as the speed of light, which is approximately 3 x 10^8 meters per second (m/s) in a vacuum. The wavelength (λ) and frequency (f) of electromagnetic waves are inversely related, meaning that as the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation: c = λf where c is the speed of light.

Electromagnetic waves can be characterized by their wavelength and frequency, as well as by their amplitude and phase. The amplitude is a measure of the strength or intensity of the wave, while the phase is a measure of the position of the wave in its oscillation cycle. The electromagnetic spectrum is a way of classifying different types of electromagnetic waves based on their wavelength and frequency, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays

In summary, electromagnetic waves propagate by the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields and do not require a medium to travel through. They travel at the speed of light and have a wavelength and frequency that are inversely related. They can be characterized by their wavelength and frequency, as well as by their amplitude and phase. They can be classified into different types based on the electromagnetic spectrum.