Electromagnetic wave theory, developed by Maxwell and Hertz, states that electromagnetic fields resemble waves and coincide with the speed of light. Electric and magnetic fields work together to create waves that can be affected by external events. Light is an electromagnetic wave and is not affected by static fields, but can be affected by magnetic and electric fields. Frequency is measured in hertz and photons are the basic units of electromagnetic radiation. Any acceleration of an electric charge or change in magnetic field produces radiation, which can be in the form of a wave or particle. Electromagnetic radiation travels at the speed of light in a vacuum.
The concept known as electromagnetic wave theory originated from the work of James Clerk Maxwell and Heinrich Hertz. According to the electric and magnetic equations postulated by Maxwell, electromagnetic fields resemble a wave in both structure and action. Electromagnetic waves coincide with the measurement of the speed of light, making light itself an electromagnetic wave.
Electric fields vary in space and generate a time-varying magnetic field. Similarly, magnetic fields will do the same for electric fields, making the two concepts work in unison. Together the two fields will oscillate and create an electromagnetic wave.
The physical properties of electromagnetic wave theory take the form of electrodynamics. This aspect of the theory means that any electromagnetic field present in the same space is considered a vector field, a wave with direction and length. As such, it can blend with other vector fields. For example, when an electromagnetic wave strikes a molecule, the atoms within that molecule begin to oscillate, emitting their own electromagnetic waves, impacting the original wave. According to electromagnetic wave theory, this will cause refraction, a change in speed, or diffraction, a change in wavelength.
Since light is a type of electromagnetic wave, the theory determines that the oscillation of light cannot be affected by other static electric or magnetic fields. However, interactions between certain external events, such as light traveling through a crystal, can have an effect. According to the theory of electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields affecting light will cause the Faraday effect and electric fields affecting light will cause the Kerr effect, a reduction in the speed of light waves.
Frequency is a very important aspect of this theory. The oscillation of the wave is measured by hertz, the unit for frequency. One hertz is equal to one oscillation per second. When an electromagnetic wave, such as light, creates waves at different frequencies, it is considered a spectrum.
Small particles of energy called photons are the basic units of electromagnetic radiation. As the photons travel, the wave follows and creates a frequency proportional to the particle. Photons are absorbed by atoms, which in turn excite electrons. When the electron reaches a high enough energy level, it escapes the positive pull of the nucleus. If the energy level of the electron drops, a photon of light is emitted.
The electromagnetic wave theory states that any acceleration of an electric charge or change in the magnetic field produces radiation. This radiation can come in the form of a wave or a particle. Speed, wavelength and frequency are the factors associated with waves. The particles contain individualized energy equal to the frequency. Regardless of the type, electromagnetic radiation travels in a vacuum at the speed of light. This fact prompted Albert Einstein to establish the theory of relativity.
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