Electromagnetic Waves Flashcards

Flashcards covering the nature, characteristics, and parts of electromagnetic waves from the lecture notes.

Electromagnetic Wave (EM Wave)

A wave that is both electric and magnetic, which exists when electrons accelerate and form electric charge that produces both fields.

Transverse Wave

A wave type where the wave travels perpendicular to the direction of the energy.

Non-Mechanical Wave

An electromagnetic wave that can pass through a space without the help of a medium.

Speed of EM Wave in Vacuum

Travels very fast at approximately $3 \times 10^8\,\text{m/s}$ in a vacuum, which is as fast as the speed of light.

Pulse

A generic term describing a single disturbance or single input of energy.

Wave

A propagating dynamic disturbance that travels from one place to another.

Vibration

The mechanism that causes a wave.

Crest

The highest point in a wave.

Trough

The lowest point in a wave.

State of Equilibrium

The area of no disturbance (balance).

Wavelength

The distance between crest-crest or trough-trough.