Questions: 9. Answer the following questions about the image in Figure 1
a. Define an Electromagnetic (EM) wave.
b. How many cycles are represented for the EM wave?
c. If the period of the EM wave is 7.14 × 10^-8 seconds, what is its frequency?
d. State the Principle of Electromagnetism illustrated in Figure 1
Transcript text: 9. Answer the following questions about the image in Figure 1
a. Define an Electromagnetic (EM) wave.
b. How many cycles are represented for the EM wave?
c. If the period of the EM wave is $7.14 \times 10^{-8}$ seconds, what is its frequency?
d. State the Principle of Electromagnetism illustrated in Figure 1
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Define an Electromagnetic (EM) wave
An electromagnetic wave is a disturbance that travels through space by the interplay of mutually perpendicular, oscillating electric and magnetic fields. These fields are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, forming a transverse wave. EM waves can travel through a vacuum and carry energy.
Step 2: Determine the number of cycles represented
Two complete cycles of the EM wave are shown in Figure 1. One cycle is a complete oscillation of both the electric and magnetic fields.
Step 3: Calculate the frequency
The frequency (f) of a wave is the reciprocal of its period (T). Given a period T = 7.14 x 10⁻⁸ seconds, the frequency is calculated as follows:
f = 1/T = 1/(7.14 x 10⁻⁸ s) ≈ 1.4 x 10⁷ Hz
Final Answer:
a. An EM wave is a transverse wave consisting of oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other and the direction of propagation.
b. Two cycles.
c. 1.4 x 10⁷ Hz.