Electromagnetic waves consist of
Correct answer: B. oscillating electric and magnetic fields at right angles to each other and to the direction of travel
- A. vibrating particles of a medium
- B. oscillating electric and magnetic fields at right angles to each other and to the direction of travel
- C. a stream of charged particles
- D. longitudinal compressions and rarefactions
Explanation
A changing electric field generates a magnetic field and vice versa, so the two sustain each other and the wave propagates without needing any medium, which is why light crosses empty space. Being transverse, electromagnetic waves can be polarised. All of them travel at 3 times 10 to the 8 metres per second in a vacuum.
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About Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic waves consist of mutually perpendicular, oscillating electric and magnetic fields that also remain perpendicular to the direction of propagation. They travel through vacuum at the speed of light and include radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays. Unlike mechanical waves, they do not require a material medium.
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