Question

What is electromagnetic radiation? At what speed does electromagnetic radiation travel?

Short answer

Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy that propagates through space as combined electric and magnetic waves, consisting of various wavelengths and frequencies like radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. It can travel through a vacuum and matter, with both electric and magnetic field components oscillating perpendicular to each other and the direction of energy propagation. The speed of electromagnetic radiation is the speed of light in a vacuum, represented by "c," approximately \(3.0 \times 10^8\) meters per second (m/s).

Step-by-step solution

Define Electromagnetic Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy that propagates through space as combined electric and magnetic waves. It includes a wide range of wavelengths and frequencies, such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays, which are all part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Properties of Electromagnetic Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation has some essential properties: 1. It travels in the form of waves. 2. It can travel through a vacuum (such as outer space), as well as through matter. 3. It exhibits both electric and magnetic field components that oscillate perpendicular to each other and to the direction of energy propagation.

Determine the Speed of Electromagnetic Radiation

The speed at which electromagnetic radiation travels is the speed of light in a vacuum, denoted by the letter "c." It is a constant value and equals approximately \(3.0 \times 10^8\) meters per second (m/s).