6.2.2 Properties of Electromagnetic Waves

• What are electromagnetic waves composed of?

  Electric and magnetic fields
• Electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum
• Match the property with its definition:

  Electric Field ↔️ Force exerted on charged particles

  Magnetic Field ↔️ Force exerted on moving charged particles

  Wavelength ↔️ Distance between wave peaks

  Frequency ↔️ Cycles per second
• The frequency of an electromagnetic wave is measured in Hertz
• Order the mediums by the speed of electromagnetic waves from fastest to slowest:

  1️⃣ Vacuum

  2️⃣ Air

  3️⃣ Water

  4️⃣ Glass
• What is the approximate speed of electromagnetic waves in glass?

  $2.0 \times 10^{8}$ m/s
• Which component of electromagnetic waves exerts force on moving charged particles?

  Magnetic Field
• Light is an example of electromagnetic waves.


  True
• Electromagnetic waves require a medium to propagate.

  False
• What is the relationship between the speed, wavelength, and frequency of electromagnetic waves?

  c = λf
• At what speed do electromagnetic waves travel in a vacuum?

  Speed of light
• Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves.


  True
• What types of electromagnetic waves are included in the electromagnetic spectrum?

  Radio waves to gamma rays
• Electromagnetic waves travel at approximately 3.0 x 10⁸ m/s in a vacuum.


  True
• The relationship between wavelength, frequency, and speed is given by c = λf
• What is the definition of frequency in electromagnetic waves?

  Wave cycles per second
• Electromagnetic waves travel at approximately 3.0 x 10⁸ m/s in a vacuum
• Why are electromagnetic waves classified as transverse waves?

  Fields oscillate perpendicularly
• Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum because oscillating fields propagate each other without needing a medium
• What occurs when electromagnetic waves bounce off a surface between two media?

  Reflection
• What law describes the relationship between angles and refractive indices in refraction?

  Snell's Law
• Electromagnetic waves require a medium to propagate.

  False
• What is the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and speed of electromagnetic waves?

  $c =$$\lambda f$
• What is the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave?

  Distance between wave peaks
• At what speed do electromagnetic waves travel in a vacuum?

  $3.0 \times 10^{8}$ m/s
• Electromagnetic waves travel slower in water than in air.


  True
• Light is an example of electromagnetic waves.
• The distance between consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave is called its wavelength
• What is the approximate speed of light in a vacuum?

  3.0 x 10⁸ m/s
• What is the unit of measurement for the electric field?

  Volts per meter (V/m)
• Electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular
• Arrange the properties of electromagnetic waves in a logical order:

  1️⃣ Electric Field

  2️⃣ Magnetic Field

  3️⃣ Wavelength

  4️⃣ Frequency

  5️⃣ Speed of Light
• The formula relating speed, wavelength, and frequency is c = λf
• Match the wave direction with the field orientation for electromagnetic waves:

  Electric Field ↔️ Up-Down

  Magnetic Field ↔️ Left-Right

  Wave Propagation ↔️ Straight Ahead
• Electromagnetic waves can travel in a vacuum because they do not require a medium
• Arrange the properties of electromagnetic waves in a table with their definitions and units:

  1️⃣ Electric Field: Force on charged particles (V/m)

  2️⃣ Magnetic Field: Force on moving charged particles (T)

  3️⃣ Wavelength: Distance between peaks (m)

  4️⃣ Frequency: Wave cycles per second (Hz)

  5️⃣ Speed: Rate of wave travel (m/s)
• What are the units for electric field strength?

  Volts per meter
• Electromagnetic waves have an electric field that exerts force on charged particles.


  True
• Match the medium with the approximate speed of light through it:

  Vacuum ↔️ 3.0 x 10⁸ m/s

  Water ↔️ 2.25 x 10⁸ m/s

  Glass ↔️ 2.0 x 10⁸ m/s

  Air ↔️ Slightly less than 3.0 x 10⁸ m/s
• In transverse waves, the oscillations are parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

  False