Electromagnetic waves are waves that carry energy through space without needing a medium (like air or water). They are made of electric and magnetic fields that move together at right angles and travel at the speed of light.
Simple Explanation:
- Electromagnetic (EM) waves are formed when electric charges vibrate or change speed.
- These waves have two parts:
- An electric field
- A magnetic field
- Both fields move at right angles to each other and to the direction the wave travels.
Key Features:
- Can travel in a vacuum (like space).
- Travel at the speed of light (about 300,000 km/s).
- Do not need particles to move — unlike sound or water waves.
Examples of Electromagnetic Waves:
- Radio waves – used in radios and TVs
- Microwaves – used in cooking and communication
- Infrared – felt as heat
- Visible light – what our eyes can see
- Ultraviolet (UV) – from the Sun, causes sunburn
- X-rays – used in medical imaging
- Gamma rays – very high energy, from radioactive sources
Key Point:
Electromagnetic waves are energy waves made of vibrating electric and magnetic fields. They help us see, communicate, and explore the universe.