Electromagnetic waves carry energy through space by means of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that travel outward from a source at the speed of light.
Here’s how it works:
- Electric and Magnetic Fields
- An electromagnetic wave consists of a changing electric field and a changing magnetic field, which are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave travel.
- These fields regenerate each other as the wave moves, allowing it to self-propagate through space—even without any medium.
- Energy Transfer
- The energy carried by the wave is stored in these fields.
- This energy moves through space as the wave travels and can be transferred to matter when the wave is absorbed.
- The amount of energy depends on the wave’s frequency (higher frequency = more energy).
- No Medium Needed
- Unlike sound or water waves, electromagnetic waves do not need a medium.
- They can travel through the vacuum of space, which is why sunlight reaches Earth from the Sun.