Electromagnetic Waves – Principles & Applications Explained | Chapter 32 of University Physics
Electromagnetic Waves – Principles & Applications Explained | Chapter 32 of University Physics Chapter 32 unifies electricity and magnetism into the self-sustaining phenomenon of electromagnetic waves. We’ll explore how Maxwell’s equations predict wave propagation at the speed of light, the transverse nature of E and B fields, energy and momentum transport, standing wave formation, and real-world applications from radio to lasers. Watch the full video summary here for animated demonstrations of EM wave behavior. Maxwell’s Equations & Wave Generation Maxwell’s extension of Faraday’s and Ampère’s laws shows that time-varying E fields induce B fields and vice versa, forming a self-propagating wave. The wave speed in vacuum is: c = 1/√(ε₀ μ₀) ≈ 3.00×10⁸ m/s , matching the measured speed of light and confirming light as an electromagnetic wave. Plane Waves & Transverse Nature Electromagnetic waves are transverse: E and B oscillate perpendicular to each other and t...