Production of Electromagnetic Waves, Electromagnetic Waves | College Physics 2e

Learning objectives

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Describe the electric and magnetic waves as they move out from a source, such as an AC generator.
Explain the mathematical relationship between the magnetic field strength and the electrical field strength.
Calculate the maximum strength of the magnetic field in an electromagnetic wave, given the maximum electric field strength.

We can get a good understanding of electromagnetic waves (EM) by considering how they are produced. Whenever a current varies, associated electric and magnetic fields vary, moving out from the source like waves. Perhaps the easiest situation to visualize is a varying current in a long straight wire, produced by an AC generator at its center, as illustrated in import-auto-id1169737994355.

View original figure (external; image not reproduced in this text edition)

Original figure description: A long straight gray wire with an A C generator at its center, functioning as a broadcast antenna for electromagnetic waves, is shown. The wave distributions at four different times are shown in four different parts. Part a of the diagram shows a long straight gray wire with an A C generator at its center. The time is marked t equals zero. The bottom part of the antenna is positive and the upper end of the antenna is negative. An electric field E acting upward is shown by an upward arrow. Part b of the diagram shows a long straight gray wire with an A C generator at its center. The time is marked t equals capital T divided by four. The antenna has no polarity marked and a wave is shown to emerge from the A C source. An electric field E acting upward as shown by an upward arrow. The electric field E propagates away from the antenna at the speed of light, forming part of the electromagnetic wave from the A C source. A quarter portion of the wave is shown above the horizontal axis. Part c of the diagram shows a long straight gray wire with an A C generator at its center. The time is marked t equals capital T divided by two. The bottom part of the antenna is negative and the upper end of the antenna is positive and a wave is shown to emerge from the A C source. The electric field E propagates away from the antenna at the speed of light, forming part of the electromagnetic wave from the A C source. A quarter portion of the wave is shown below the horizontal axis and a quarter portion of the wave is above the horizontal axis. Part d of the diagram shows a long straight gray wire with an AC generator at its center. The time is marked t equals capital T. The bottom part of the antenna is positive and the upper end of the antenna is negative. A wave is shown to emerge from the A C source. The electric field E propagates away from the antenna at the speed of light, forming part of the electromagnetic wave from the A C source. A quarter portion of the wave is shown above the horizontal axis followed by a half wave below the horizontal axis and then again a quarter of a wave above the horizontal axis.

This long straight gray wire with an AC generator at its center becomes a broadcast antenna for electromagnetic waves. Shown here are the charge distributions at four different times. The electric field (

E

) propagates away from the antenna at the speed of light, forming part of an electromagnetic wave.

The electric field ( $E$ ) shown surrounding the wire is produced by the charge distribution on the wire. Both the $E$ and the charge distribution vary as the current changes. The changing field propagates outward at the speed of light.

There is an associated magnetic field ( $B$ ) which propagates outward as well (see import-auto-id1169738069102). The electric and magnetic fields are closely related and propagate as an electromagnetic wave. This is what happens in broadcast antennae such as those in radio and TV stations.

Closer examination of the one complete cycle shown in import-auto-id1169737994355 reveals the periodic nature of the generator-driven charges oscillating up and down in the antenna and the electric field produced. At time $t = 0$ , there is the maximum separation of charge, with negative charges at the top and positive charges at the bottom, producing the maximum magnitude of the electric field (or $E$ -field) in the upward direction. One-fourth of a cycle later, there is no charge separation and the field next to the antenna is zero, while the maximum $E$ -field has moved away at speed $c$ .

As the process continues, the charge separation reverses and the field reaches its maximum downward value, returns to zero, and rises to its maximum upward value at the end of one complete cycle. The outgoing wave has an amplitude proportional to the maximum separation of charge. Its wavelength $(λ)$ is proportional to the period of the oscillation and, hence, is smaller for short periods or high frequencies. (As usual, wavelength and frequency $(f)$ are inversely proportional.)

Electric and Magnetic Waves: Moving Together

Following Ampere’s law, current in the antenna produces a magnetic field, as shown in import-auto-id1169738069102. The relationship between $E$ and $B$ is shown at one instant in import-auto-id1169738069102 (a). As the current varies, the magnetic field varies in magnitude and direction.

View original figure (external; image not reproduced in this text edition)

Original figure description: Part a of the diagram shows a long straight gray wire with an A C generator at its center, functioning as a broadcast antenna. The antenna has a current I flowing vertically upward. The bottom end of the antenna is negative and the upper end of the antenna is positive. An electric field is shown to act vertically downward. The magnetic field lines B produced in the antenna are circular in direction around the wire. Part b of the diagram shows a long straight gray wire with an A C generator at its center, functioning as a broadcast antenna. The electric field E and magnetic field B near the wire are shown perpendicular to each other. Part c of the diagram shows a long straight gray wire with an A C generator at its center, functioning as a broadcast antenna. The current is shown to flow in the antenna. The magnetic field varies with the current and propagates away from the antenna as a sine wave in the horizontal plane. The vibrations in the wave are marked as small arrows along the wave.

(a) The current in the antenna produces the circular magnetic field lines. The current (

I

) produces the separation of charge along the wire, which in turn creates the electric field as shown. (b) The electric and magnetic fields (

E

and

B

) near the wire are perpendicular; they are shown here for one point in space. (c) The magnetic field varies with current and propagates away from the antenna at the speed of light.

The magnetic field lines also propagate away from the antenna at the speed of light, forming the other part of the electromagnetic wave, as seen in import-auto-id1169738069102 (b). The magnetic part of the wave has the same period and wavelength as the electric part, since they are both produced by the same movement and separation of charges in the antenna.

The electric and magnetic waves are shown together at one instant in time in import-auto-id1169738088414. The electric and magnetic fields produced by a long straight wire antenna are exactly in phase. Note that they are perpendicular to one another and to the direction of propagation, making this a transverse wave.

View original figure (external; image not reproduced in this text edition)

Original figure description: A part of the electromagnetic wave sent out from the antenna at one instant in time is shown. The wave is shown with the variation of two components, E and B, moving with velocity c. E is a sine wave in one plane with small arrows showing the vibrations of particles in the plane. B is a sine wave in a plane perpendicular to the E wave. The B wave has arrows to show the vibrations of particles in the plane. The waves are shown intersecting each other at the junction of the planes because E and B are perpendicular to each other. E and B are in phase, and they are perpendicular to one another and to the direction of propagation.

A part of the electromagnetic wave sent out from the antenna at one instant in time. The electric and magnetic fields (

E

and

B

) are in phase, and they are perpendicular to one another and the direction of propagation. For clarity, the waves are shown only along one direction, but they propagate out in other directions too.

Electromagnetic waves generally propagate out from a source in all directions, sometimes forming a complex radiation pattern. A linear antenna like this one will not radiate parallel to its length, for example. The wave is shown in one direction from the antenna in import-auto-id1169738088414 to illustrate its basic characteristics.

Instead of the AC generator, the antenna can also be driven by an AC circuit. In fact, charges radiate whenever they are accelerated. But while a current in a circuit needs a complete path, an antenna has a varying charge distribution forming a standing wave, driven by the AC. The dimensions of the antenna are critical for determining the frequency of the radiated electromagnetic waves. This is a resonant phenomenon and when we tune radios or TV, we vary electrical properties to achieve appropriate resonant conditions in the antenna.

Receiving Electromagnetic Waves

Electromagnetic waves carry energy away from their source, similar to a sound wave carrying energy away from a standing wave on a guitar string. An antenna for receiving EM signals works in reverse. And like antennas that produce EM waves, receiver antennas are specially designed to resonate at particular frequencies.

An incoming electromagnetic wave accelerates electrons in the antenna, setting up a standing wave. If the radio or TV is switched on, electrical components pick up and amplify the signal formed by the accelerating electrons. The signal is then converted to audio and/or video format. Sometimes big receiver dishes are used to focus the signal onto an antenna.

In fact, charges radiate whenever they are accelerated. When designing circuits, we often assume that energy does not quickly escape AC circuits, and mostly this is true. A broadcast antenna is specially designed to enhance the rate of electromagnetic radiation, and shielding is necessary to keep the radiation close to zero. Some familiar phenomena are based on the production of electromagnetic waves by varying currents. Your microwave oven, for example, sends electromagnetic waves, called microwaves, from a concealed antenna that has an oscillating current imposed on it.

Relating $E$ -Field and $B$ -Field Strengths

There is a relationship between the $E$ - and $B$ -field strengths in an electromagnetic wave. This can be understood by again considering the antenna just described. The stronger the $E$ -field created by a separation of charge, the greater the current and, hence, the greater the $B$ -field created.

Since current is directly proportional to voltage (Ohm’s law) and voltage is directly proportional to $E$ -field strength, the two should be directly proportional. It can be shown that the magnitudes of the fields do have a constant ratio, equal to the speed of light. That is,

\frac{E}{B} = c

is the ratio of $E$ -field strength to $B$ -field strength in any electromagnetic wave traveling in a vacuum. This is true at all times and at all locations in space, a simple and elegant result.

An electromagnetic wave traveling in a medium, with index of refraction n, will propagate at a lower speed,

v = \frac{c}{n} .

The ratio of the field strengths will be similarly reduced, such that in the medium,

\frac{E}{B} = \frac{c}{n} .

Calculating $B$ -Field Strength in an Electromagnetic Wave

What is the maximum strength of the $B$ -field in an electromagnetic wave that has a maximum $E$ -field strength of $1000 V/m$ ?

Strategy

To find the $B$ -field strength, we rearrange the above equation to solve for $B$ , yielding

B = \frac{E}{c} .

Solution

We are given $E$ , and $c$ is the speed of light. Entering these into the expression for $B$ yields

B = \frac{1000 V/m}{3.00 \times 10^{8} m/s} = 3 . 33 \times 10^{- 6} T,

Where T stands for Tesla, a measure of magnetic field strength.

Discussion

The $B$ -field strength is less than a tenth of the Earth’s admittedly weak magnetic field. This means that a relatively strong electric field of 1000 V/m is accompanied by a relatively weak magnetic field. Note that as this wave spreads out, say with distance from an antenna, its field strengths become progressively weaker.

The result of this example is consistent with the statement made in the module Maxwell’s Equations: Electromagnetic Waves Predicted and Observed that changing electric fields create relatively weak magnetic fields. They can be detected in electromagnetic waves, however, by taking advantage of the phenomenon of resonance, as Hertz did. A system with the same natural frequency as the electromagnetic wave can be made to oscillate. All radio and TV receivers use this principle to pick up and then amplify weak electromagnetic waves, while rejecting all others not at their resonant frequency.

Test Prep for AP Courses

If an electromagnetic wave is described as having a frequency of 3 GHz, what are its period and wavelength (in a vacuum)?

3.0 × 10⁹s, 10 cm
3.3 × 10⁻¹⁰s, 10 cm
3.3 × 10⁻¹⁰s, 10 m
3.0 × 10⁹s, 10 m

(b)

Describe the outcome if you attempt to produce a longitudinal electromagnetic wave.

A wave is travelling through a medium until it hits the end of the medium and there is nothing but vacuum beyond. What happens to a mechanical wave? Electromagnetic wave?

reflects backward, continues on
reflects backward, reflects backward
continues on, continues on
stops, continues on

(a)

You’re on the moon, skipping around, and your radio breaks. What would be the best way to communicate this problem to your friend, who is also skipping around on the moon: yelling or flashing a light? Why?

Given the waveform in import-auto-id1169737994355(d), if $T = 3.0 \times 10^{- 9} s$ and $E = 5.0 \times 10^{5} N / C$ , which of the following is the correct equation for the wave at the antenna?

$(5 .0 \times 10^{5} N / C) sin (2 π (3 .0 \times 10^{- 9} s) t)$
$(5 .0 \times 10^{5} N / C) sin (\frac{2 π t}{(3 .0 \times 10^{- 9} s)})$
$(5 .0 \times 10^{5} N / C) cos (2 π (3 .0 \times 10^{- 9} s) t)$
$(5 .0 \times 10^{5} N / C) cos (\frac{2 π t}{(3 .0 \times 10^{- 9} s)})$

(d)

Given the waveform in import-auto-id1169737994355(d), if $f = 2.0$ GHz and $E = 6.0 \times 10^{5} N/C$ , what is the correct equation for the magnetic field wave at the antenna?

In Heinrich Hertz’s spark gap experiment (import-auto-id1169738181556), how will the induced sparks in Loop 2 compare to those created in Loop 1?

Stronger
Weaker
Need to know the tuner settings to tell
Weaker, but how much depends on the tuner settings.

(d)

The sun is far away from the Earth, and the intervening space is very close to empty. Yet the tilt of the Earth’s axis of rotation relative to the sun results in seasons. Explain why, given what you have learned in this section.

Section Summary

Electromagnetic waves are created by oscillating charges (which radiate whenever accelerated) and have the same frequency as the oscillation.
Since the electric and magnetic fields in most electromagnetic waves are perpendicular to the direction in which the wave moves, it is ordinarily a transverse wave.
The strengths of the electric and magnetic parts of the wave are related by $\frac{E}{B} = c,$
which implies that the magnetic field $B$ is very weak relative to the electric field $E$ .

Conceptual Questions

The direction of the electric field shown in each part of import-auto-id1169737994355 is that produced by the charge distribution in the wire. Justify the direction shown in each part, using the Coulomb force law and the definition of $E = F / q$ , where $q$ is a positive test charge.

Is the direction of the magnetic field shown in import-auto-id1169738069102 (a) consistent with the right-hand rule for current (RHR-2) in the direction shown in the figure?

Why is the direction of the current shown in each part of import-auto-id1169738069102 opposite to the electric field produced by the wire’s charge separation?

In which situation shown in import-auto-id1169738094624 will the electromagnetic wave be more successful in inducing a current in the wire? Explain.

View original figure (external; image not reproduced in this text edition)

Original figure description: Part a of the diagram shows an electromagnetic wave approaching a long straight vertical wire. The wave is shown with the variation of two components E and B. E is a sine wave in vertical plane with small arrows showing the vibrations of particles in the plane. B is a sine wave in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the E wave. The B wave has arrows to show the vibrations of particles in the plane. The waves are shown intersecting each other at the junction of the planes because E and B are perpendicular to each other. The direction of propagation of wave is shown perpendicular to E and B waves. Part b of the diagram shows an electromagnetic wave approaching a long straight vertical wire. The wave is shown with the variation of two components E and B. E is a sine wave in horizontal plane with small arrows showing the vibrations of particles in the plane. B is a sine wave in a vertical plane perpendicular to the E wave. The B wave has arrows to show the vibrations of particles in the plane. The waves are shown intersecting each other at the junction of the planes because E and B are perpendicular to each other. The direction of propagation of wave is shown perpendicular to E and B waves.

Electromagnetic waves approaching long straight wires.

In which situation shown in import-auto-id1169738063858 will the electromagnetic wave be more successful in inducing a current in the loop? Explain.

View original figure (external; image not reproduced in this text edition)

Original figure description: Part a of the diagram shows an electromagnetic wave approaching a receiver loop connected to a tuner. The wave is shown with the variation of two components E and B. E is a sine wave in vertical plane with small arrows showing the vibrations of particles in the plane. B is a sine wave in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the E wave. The B wave has arrows to show the vibrations of particles in the plane. The waves are shown intersecting each other at the junction of the planes because E and B are perpendicular to each other. The direction of propagation of wave is shown perpendicular to E and B waves. Part b of the diagram shows an electromagnetic wave approaching a receiver loop connected to a tuner. The wave is shown with the variation of two components E and B. E is a sine wave in horizontal plane with small arrows showing the vibrations of particles in the plane. B is a sine wave in a vertical plane perpendicular to the E wave. The B wave has arrows to show the vibrations of particles in the plane. The waves are shown intersecting each other at the junction of the planes because E and B are perpendicular to each other. The direction of propagation of wave is shown perpendicular to E and B waves.

Electromagnetic waves approaching a wire loop.

Should the straight wire antenna of a radio be vertical or horizontal to best receive radio waves broadcast by a vertical transmitter antenna? How should a loop antenna be aligned to best receive the signals? (Note that the direction of the loop that produces the best reception can be used to determine the location of the source. It is used for that purpose in tracking tagged animals in nature studies, for example.)

Under what conditions might wires in a DC circuit emit electromagnetic waves?

Give an example of interference of electromagnetic waves.

import-auto-id1169737967787 shows the interference pattern of two radio antennas broadcasting the same signal. Explain how this is analogous to the interference pattern for sound produced by two speakers. Could this be used to make a directional antenna system that broadcasts preferentially in certain directions? Explain.

View original figure (external; image not reproduced in this text edition)

Original figure description: The picture shows an overhead view of a radio broadcast antenna sending signals in the form of waves. Two waves are shown in the diagram with concentric circular wave fonts. The crest and trough are marked as bold and dashed circles respectively. The points where the bold circles of the two different waves meet are marked as points of constructive interference. Arrows point outward from the antenna, joining these points. These arrows show the directions of constructive interference.

An overhead view of two radio broadcast antennas sending the same signal, and the interference pattern they produce.

Can an antenna be any length? Explain your answer.

Problems & Exercises

What is the maximum electric field strength in an electromagnetic wave that has a maximum magnetic field strength of $5.00 \times 10^{- 4} T$ (about 10 times the Earth’s)?

150 kV/m

The maximum magnetic field strength of an electromagnetic field is $5 \times 10^{- 6} T$ . Calculate the maximum electric field strength if the wave is traveling in a medium in which the speed of the wave is $0.75 c$ .

Verify the units obtained for magnetic field strength $B$ in fs-id1169738236038 (using the equation $B = \frac{E}{c}$ ) are in fact teslas (T).

Glossary

electric field: a vector quantity (E); the lines of electric force per unit charge, moving radially outward from a positive charge and in toward a negative charge
electric field strength: the magnitude of the electric field, denoted E-field
magnetic field: a vector quantity (B); can be used to determine the magnetic force on a moving charged particle
magnetic field strength: the magnitude of the magnetic field, denoted B-field
transverse wave: a wave, such as an electromagnetic wave, which oscillates perpendicular to the axis along the line of travel
standing wave: a wave that oscillates in place, with nodes where no motion happens
wavelength: the distance from one peak to the next in a wave
amplitude: the height, or magnitude, of an electromagnetic wave
frequency: the number of complete wave cycles (up-down-up) passing a given point within one second (cycles/second)
resonant: a system that displays enhanced oscillation when subjected to a periodic disturbance of the same frequency as its natural frequency
oscillate: to fluctuate back and forth in a steady beat

Attribution. College Physics 2e, OpenStax, Rice University, and the contributing authors credited in the book. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International. Source revision f98d7a7921 of openstax/osbooks-college-physics-bundle (2026-02-04). CC BY 4.0. Original source ↗. Text edition of a pinned CC BY 4.0 source revision of the OpenStax book, converted from CNXML by the EvidenceHelix importer. Original prose, learning objectives, tables, exercises, glossary and captions are preserved; images are not copied (figures link to the original source and keep their credits). No new content was added. Later revisions of this book can carry different licence terms and are not used.

Production of Electromagnetic Waves

Learning objectives

Learning Objectives

Electric and Magnetic Waves: Moving Together

Receiving Electromagnetic Waves

Relating E-Field and B-Field Strengths

Calculating B-Field Strength in an Electromagnetic Wave

Strategy

Solution

Discussion

Test Prep for AP Courses

Section Summary

Conceptual Questions

Problems & Exercises

Glossary

Relating $E$ -Field and $B$ -Field Strengths

Calculating $B$ -Field Strength in an Electromagnetic Wave