Fundamentals of Electromagnetic Waves  German physicist who experimented on

Maxwell’s theory
Positive peak of a sine wave is also known as
Crest Properties of EM Waves
Negative peak of a sine wave is known as  Self-sustaining electric and magnetic
Trough field oscillating in space
 Transport energy
Distance between two positive cycles is the
Wavelength  Transverse in nature
 Can be polarized
ℎ𝑐  Not deflected by magnetic and electric
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝑀 = ℎ𝑓 =
𝜆 field
1  Intensity wave depends upon the
𝑓= amplitude of the electric and magnetic
𝑇
field
*where h is Planck’ Constant; c is the speed of
light; λ is the wavelength; f is frequency; and T Electromagnetic Spectrum
is period
Non-ionizing waves: does not excite any cell
Electromagnetic Waves
1. Radio waves
 Consists of oscillating electric and 2. Microwaves
magnetic fields in certain directions 3. Infrared waves
which propagates through free space at 4. Visible light
the speed of light Ionizing waves
 Does not require any medium to travel
 Made by vibrating electric charges and 5. Ultraviolet rays
can travel through space by transferring 6. X-rays
energy between vibrating and electric 7. Gamma rays
fields 8. Cosmic rays (unused)
 Right hand rule: Electric and magnetic *As Frequency INCREASES, Energy
fields are always perpendicular to the INCREASES, while Wavelength DECREASES
direction
 Antennas are used to generate EM 1. Radio Waves
waves
 Range: 0.3m to 600m
James Clark Maxwell  Source: accelerated charged particles in
a conducting wire or changing electric
 Scottish physicist (1871-1879) who current in a LC circuit
showed the fundamental nature of light
 Uses: mainly in radio TV
mathematically
communications
 In 1865, he proved EM “disturbance”
propagates in free space with speed 2. Microwaves
equal to c
 Range: 0.1m to 1mm
 Correctly deduced that light was an EM
wave  Source: oscillating electrons in a cavity
commonly used oscillators to produce
Heinrich Hertz microwaves as Klystron Gunn Diodes
  Uses: radar systems for aircraft
navigation, and atomic & molecular
research
3. Infrared waves

 Range: 1mm to 700nm

 Source: hot bodies; vibrations of
atoms/molecules
 Uses: these waves can pass through the
haze, fog, and mist, so they are used in
night vision glasses during warfare.
Also used by earth satellites
4. Visible light

 Range: 400nm to 780nm

 Source: jumping of electrons from
higher to lower orbit of an atom
5. UV Rays

 Range: 400nm to 0.6nm

 Source: sun, welding arc, high voltage
gas, and discharge tube
 Uses: used to pressure food stuff and
make drinking water free from bacteria.
Used for sterilizing surgical instruments
6. X-rays

 Range: 10 nm to 10-4 nm
 Source: fast moving electrons striking a
target of high atomic number
 Uses: medical diagnosis in radiotherapy
technology to cure skin diseases,
cancers, and tumors. In engineering, it is
used for locating faults or cracks in
metallic materials
7. Gamma Rays

 Range: 10-10 m to 10-14 m

 Source: radioactive decay of nuclei and
nuclear reaction
 Uses: treatment of cancer to examine
thick materials for structural flows. For
food preservation.