How does the electric field and magnetic field travel in a vacuum?

Electromagnetic waves are waves which can travel through the vacuum of outer space. Electromagnetic waves are created by the vibration of an electric charge. This vibration creates a wave which has both an electric and a magnetic component.

How does the electric and magnetic field vibrate in space?

The fields can exert force over objects at a distance. An electromagnetic wave begins when an electrically charged particle vibrates. This causes a vibrating electric field, which in turn creates a vibrating magnetic field. The two vibrating fields together form an electromagnetic wave.

Why do electromagnetic waves oscillate?

A charge oscillates. It creates a changing electric field, which induces changing magnetic field which in turn induces changing electric field, and so on. This whole phenomenon spreads out in space and that is called as ‘Electromagnetic radiations’. So, you see, the radiations themselves do not oscillate.

How do electric and magnetic fields interact in an electromagnetic wave?

An electromagnetic wave begins when an electrically charged particle vibrates. This causes a vibrating electric field, which in turn creates a vibrating magnetic field. The two vibrating fields together form an electromagnetic wave.

What is oscillating in an electromagnetic wave?

Electromagnetic wave consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. Electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to each other and propagate in the direction perpendicular to both. Electric and magnetic fields can exist anywhere.

Can electric field exist in vacuum?

Yes, the electric field can exist in a perfect vacuum.

How does electromagnetic energy travel?

Electromagnetic waves differ from mechanical waves in that they do not require a medium to propagate. This means that electromagnetic waves can travel not only through air and solid materials, but also through the vacuum of space.

What does light oscillate in?

Light waves can travel in vacuum, which means they do not rely on the motion of particles in a medium, like mechanical waves. The electric and magnetic components of the wave are generally perpendicular, and peak at the same time. The strength of the electromagnetic field oscillates as the wave propagates.

How do electric fields oscillate?

The electric field in an electromagnetic wave vibrates with its vectorial force growing stronger and then weaker, pointing in one direction, and then in the other direction, alternating in a sinusoidal pattern (Figure 1). At the same frequency, the magnetic field oscillates perpendicular to the electric field.

How does a vibrating electric charge produce an electromagnetic wave?

Electromagnetic waves are produced when something vibrates—an electric charge that moves back and forth. When an electric charge vibrates, the electric field around it changes. Because the electric charge is in motion, it also has a magnetic field around it. This magnetic field also changes as the charge vibrates.