Question

Write any two main features of electromagnetic waves.

Hint:

Electromagnetic waves can travel through space without any medium, unlike sound waves that need a medium to propagate.

Answer 1

1. Transverse Nature: Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves, meaning that the oscillations of the electric and magnetic fields occur perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. The electric field oscillates in one direction, while the magnetic field oscillates in a direction perpendicular to the electric field. This transverse nature is one of the defining features of electromagnetic waves. 2. Propagation Through a Vacuum: Unlike mechanical waves, electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to propagate. They can travel through the vacuum of space, which is why light from the Sun reaches Earth through the empty space. This characteristic of electromagnetic waves makes them crucial for space exploration, as they can travel across vast distances without needing any physical medium.