Learn Electromagnetic Waves with interactive simulations. Understand wave properties, polarization, spectrum, and applications with step-by-step visualizations and real-world examples.
Electromagnetic waves are a form of energy that travels through space as oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation. They are produced when charged particles accelerate, creating disturbances in the electromagnetic field that propagate outward at the speed of light.
Unlike mechanical waves, electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to travel through and can propagate through a vacuum. This property allows light from the sun and stars to reach Earth across the vast emptiness of space.
Fundamental characteristics of electromagnetic waves
The distance between successive peaks or troughs of the wave. Measured in meters (m).
The number of wave cycles passing a point per second. Measured in hertz (Hz).
The maximum displacement of the wave from equilibrium. Related to wave intensity.
The speed at which waves propagate through vacuum. c = 3 × 10⁸ m/s.
Time for one complete wave cycle. T = 1/f. Measured in seconds (s).
Energy carried by photons. E = hf. Measured in joules (J) or electron volts (eV).
The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all types of electromagnetic radiation, classified by frequency or wavelength. All forms of electromagnetic radiation travel at the speed of light in a vacuum but differ in energy and interaction with matter.
Highest energy, shortest wavelength. Nuclear reactions, medical imaging.
Medical imaging, security scanning, crystallography.
Sunburn, sterilization, fluorescence, vitamin D synthesis.
Human vision, photosynthesis, optical communications.
Heat radiation, thermal imaging, remote controls.
Cooking, radar, satellite communications.
Broadcasting, mobile phones, WiFi, radio astronomy.
c = λf
E = hf
Orientation of oscillations in transverse waves
Polarization refers to the orientation of the electric field vector in an electromagnetic wave. Since electromagnetic waves are transverse waves, the electric field oscillates perpendicular to the direction of propagation, allowing for different orientations.
"The direction of the electric field vector defines the polarization of an electromagnetic wave."
Electric field oscillates in a single plane. Achieved with polarizing filters.
Electric field rotates in a circle. Composed of two linear waves 90° out of phase.
Most general case. Electric field traces an ellipse. Includes linear and circular as special cases.
Electromagnetic waves have countless applications across science, technology, medicine, and everyday life:
Radio and television transmission using radio waves and microwaves.
Mobile phones, WiFi, satellite communications, fiber optics.
X-rays, MRI (radio waves), infrared thermography.
Microwave ovens, infrared heaters, laser surgery.
Satellite imagery, weather forecasting, astronomy.
Incandescent bulbs, LEDs, fluorescent lamps, lasers.
Explore electromagnetic waves through hands-on visualizations
Observe how electromagnetic waves propagate through space with oscillating electric and magnetic fields
Step 1: Stationary wave with electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other and propagation direction.
Explore different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum and their properties
Step 1: Visible light spectrum showing the range of colors from violet (400 nm) to red (700 nm).
Understanding how electromagnetic waves relate to other areas of physics
While mechanical waves require a medium to propagate, electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum.
Electromagnetic waves exhibit wave-particle duality, behaving as both waves and photons.
Optics is a branch of physics that specifically studies visible light and its interactions.
Interactive three-dimensional visualization of propagating electromagnetic waves
3D Simulation Visualization
Interactive 3D model showing propagating electromagnetic waves with electric and magnetic field vectors
3D representation of oscillating electric field vectors perpendicular to propagation
Animated visualization of magnetic field component 90° out of phase with electric field
Adjust parameters like frequency, amplitude, and polarization state