Electromagnetic Waves

ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES SYNOPSIS

DISPLACEMENT CURRENT
• The current which comes into play in the region, whenever the electric field and hence the electric
flux is changing with time is known as displacement current
dE
• Formula : I D   0 , where,  0  absolute permittivity of space.
dt
dE
 rate of change of electric flux.
dt
• Unit : ampere in SI system.
• Displacement current was first postulated by Maxwell.
• Displacement current is zero for steady electric flux linked in a region.
Conduction Current
• The current in the electric field which arises due to the flow of electrons in the connecting wires of
the circuit, in a definite closed path is called conduction current.
• When a capacitor is connected to the battery, it starts storing charge due to conduction current
when the capacitor gets fully charged, the conduction current becomes zero in the circuit.
• Conduction current exists even when the electrons flow at uniform rate.
MAXWELL’S EQUATIONS
Maxwell modified Ampere’s circuital law by including the displacement current and formulated a
set of equations involving electric and magnetic fields, their sources and charge and current densities.
These equations are known as Maxwell’s equations, which are as follows:
Q
•  E  dA   0 (Gauss’s law for electrostatics)

•  B  dA  0 (Gauss’s law for magnetism)

dE
•  B  dl   dt
(Faraday’s law)

d
•  B  dl  0ic  0 0 dtE (Ampere-Maxwell law)
  0 ( ic  id )
where ic = conduction current and id = displacement current. The other symbols have their usual
meaning.
Ampere–Maxwell’s Circuital Law,
Need For Displacement Current

• Ampere-Maxwell’s law : The line integral of magnetic field B over a closed path in vaccum is
equal to u0 times the sum of the conduction current (I) and displacement current (ID).
   d 
  dt  u0  1   0 dtE 
B

where u0 = absolute permeability of free space.


• According to Ampere’s circuital law, the line integral of current magnetic field B around any closed
path or circuit is equal to u0 (absolute permeability of free space) times the total current (I) threading
the closed circuit.
 
  dl  u0 I
B

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• However, when Ampere’s circuital law was applied to an electric circuit containing a capacitor as
one of the circuit elements, the law appeared to be inconsistent or incomplete.
• To overcome this inconsistency, James Clerk Maxwell introduced the concept of displacement
current which he assumed to flow across the gap between the plates of the capacitor.
• Thus, through the conducting wires, there is a flow of conduction current Ic and through the gaps
across the plates of capacitor, there is flow of displacement current ID.
vi) Maxwell modified Ampere’s circuital law, by treating the current I as the sum of the conduction
current Ic and the displacement current ID.
 
 B  dl  u0 ( IC  I D )

   dE   dE 
  dl  u0  IC   0 dt 
B  I D   0 
 dt 
This equation is known as Ampere-Maxwell’s circuital law or modified Ampere’s circuital law.
• The conduction and displacement currents are individually discontinuous, but the two currents
together possess the property of continuity through any closed electric circuit.
• The displacement current is precisely equal to the conduction current, when the two are present in
different parts of the circuit.
• Like conduction current, the displacement current is also a source of magnetic field.
Speed Of Electromagnetic Waves
• For an electromagnetic wave propagating in the positive x-direction, the values of electric and
magnetic fields at a distance x from the origin are represented by the equation,
 x
E( x)  E0 sin   t  
 c

 x
B( x)  B0 sin   t  
 c
where, c = the velocity of the electromagnetic waves.
B0 and E0 = amplitude of magnetic and electric field respectively.
• The speed of electromagnetic waves in free space is given as,
1
c
0  0
where, u0 = absolute permeability of free space,
 0 = absolute permittivity of free space.
• For free space,
u0 = 1.257 × 10–6 T mA–1 and
 0  8.854  10 12 C2 N 1m -2

1
c
1.257  10 6  8.854  10 12
 c = 3 × 108 ms–1
Thus, speed of electromagnetic waves in free space is equal to the speed of light in vacuum
• The velocity of electromagnetic wave in a material medium is given by,
1
v


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• The amplitudes (peak values) of the electric and magnetic field in free space are related to the speed
of electromagnetic waves in free space as,
E
c 0
B0
• The velocity of electromagnetic waves do not depend on amplitude of field vectors.
Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves in which there are time varying, sinusoidal variations
of electric and magnetic field mutually perpendicular to each other and propagating in space in a
direction perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
Eg.: infrared rays, microwaves, radio-waves, X-rays, UV-rays etc.
PROPERTIES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
• Electromagnetic waves propagate in the form of varying electric and magnetic fields, such that the
two fields are perpendicular to each other and also to the direction of propagation of the wave. In
other words, electromagnetic waves are transverse in nature.
• Electromagnetic waves are produced by accelerated charges.
• Electromagnetic waves do not require any material medium for their propagation.
• In free space, electromagnetic waves travels with a velocity,
1
c  3  108 m/ s
0  0
i.e. with a velocity equal to that of velocity of light in free space.
In a material medium, velocity of electromagnetic waves is given by,
1
v

• The electromagnetic waves obey the principle of superposition.
• The variations in the amplitudes of electric and magnetic fields in the electromagnetic waves always
take place at the same time and at the same point in the space. Thus, the ratio of the amplitudes of
electric and magnetic fields is always constant and it is equal to the velocity of the electromagnetic
waves.
E
Mathematically, c 
B
• The energy in electromagnetic waves is divided equally between the electric and magnetic field
vectors. In other words, electric energy density (u E) and magnetic energy density (u B ) of an
electromagnetic wave are equal.
i.e., uE  uB
1 1 B2
or  0 E2 
2 2 0
The energy density of electromagnetic waves is therefore, given by
  uE  uB  2 uE  2 uB
• The electric vector is responsible for optical effects due to an electromagnetic wave. For this reason,
electric vector is called light vector.
• Electromagnetic waves can transport energy. The rate of energy of electromagnetic wave transported

per unit area is represented by a quantity called pointing vector ( S ).
It is given by,
   1  
S  E H  E B
0

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U
• The momentum transported by electromagnetic waves is given by, p 
c
where, U is energy transported by electromagnetic waves in a given time and c is speed of
electromagnetic waves in free space.
• The intensity of electromagnetic waves i.e., energy crossing per second per unit area of a surface
normally is given by,
2
1 E0 B0 1 B0 1
I  c   0 E02 c
2 0 2 0 2
• Electric and magnetic field in electromagnetic waves vibrate in phase.
• Electromagnetic waves can be polarized.
• The low frequency electromagnetic waves are unaffected by external electric and magnetic fields.
Transverse Nature Of
Electromagnetic Waves
• It is known that the electro-magnetic waves are produced by accelerated electric charges. An
accelerated charge produces a magnetic field in the surrounding region which gives rise to an electric
field. The electric and magnetic fields are mutually perpendicular to each other.
Y

x-z plane
Y
E
E

O X O X
B

Z B
x-y plane (b) Electromagnetic waves
Z (a) Electromagnetic waves
propagating alongX–axis
• If the accelerated charge is oscillating, both the electric and magnetic fields vary with time and they
travel outwards from the charge in the form of electromagnetic waves.
   
• If E is along the Y-axis and B is along the Z-axis the direction of propagation is along E  B i.e. along
the X-axis as shown in fig. (b). (The fields are shown as functions of x co-ordinate at given time t.)
• A single electromagnetic wave propagating perpendicular to both electric and magnetic fields in
magnified form is as shown in fig. (b).
• The magnetic field and electric field both vary sinusoidally with x. We can write Ey and Bz as follows.
Ey  E0 sin( kx   t ) .........(i)
Bz  B0 sin( kx  t ) .........(ii)

where E0 is the amplitude of the electric intensity E, B0 is the amplitude of the magnetic induction
 2 is propagation constant and is the wavelength of oscillations,   2 v is the angular
B, k  

frequency of oscillations.
• Both the electric and magnetic fields attain their maximum (and minimum) values at the same
time and at the same point in space i.e. they oscillate in same phase with same frequency.
 
• From fig. (a), it can be seen that propagation of electromagnetic field is in the direction of E  B . As
the electric and magnetic fields are mutually perpendicular to each other and to the direction of
wave propagation, the electromagnetic waves are transverse in nature.

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ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
Maxwell gave the idea of electromagnetic waves, while Hertz produced and studied such wave
experimentally. Hertz and other scientists proved that it is possible to produce electromagnetic waves
of wavelengths ranging from several kilometers to 6 × 10 –3 m. The visible light is found to be
electromagnetic waves of very short wavelength produced by atoms and molecules, which behave
as natural oscillators. By the end of last century, electromagnetic radiation ranging from several
kilometers to 6 mm and from 10 –6 m (infra red) to 10 –8 m (ultra violet) become known. Then
X-rays were discovered, which were found to be electromagnetic waves of even shorter wavelength.
The study of radioactive phenomenon led to the discovery of  -rays which are electromagnetic
waves of wavelength even shorter than X-rays. Then, originally existing gaps in the electromagnetic
spectrum got filled on the production of corresponding eelctromagnetic waves experimentally.
The orderly distribution of electromagnetic waves (according to wavelength or frequency) in the
form of distinct groups having widely different properties is called electromagnetic spectrum.

MAIN PARTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM:

The electromagnetic spectrum may be divided into the following main parts,
-Rays
Gamma rays were discovered by Willard. Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves. They are
produced when an electron jumps from higher orbits to the lower orbit of an atom. Moreover,
 -rays are produced during radioactive decay of nuclei and nuclear reactions. The wavelength of
 -rays is shortest of all the electromagnetic waves. The range of wavelength varies from 6 × 10–14 m to
1 × 10–10m. On the other hand, the frequency of  -rays is highest of all the electromagnetic waves.
The range of frequency varies from 5 × 1022 Hz to 3 × 1019 Hz.

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Properties of -rays :
•  -rays are chargeless.
•  -rays are undeflected in electric and magnetic field.
•  -rays are electromagnetic waves which travels with a velocity of 3 × 108 m/s.
• They affect photographic plates.
• They ionise the gas through which they pass.
•  -rays cause fluorescence on fluorescent materials.
•  -rays can penetrate through materials.
Uses of -rays :
• They are used for insect disinfectations for wheat and flour.
• The  rays are used for the preservation of food.
• The  rays are used in radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer and tumour..
• They are used to produce nuclear reactions.
X–Rays
X-rays were discovered by Prof. Rontgen in 1895. These rays are of atomic origen and are produced,
when a target of an element having high atomic number is bombarded by fast moving electrons.
X-rays have frequencies in the range 3 × 10 19 Hz to 1 × 1016 Hz and the range of wavelength of
X-rays lies between 1 × 10–10 m to 3 × 10–8 m. X-rays possess a high penetrating power.
Properties of X–rays:
• X-rays are electromagnetic waves of very short wavelength ranging from 0.01 A° to 10 A°.
• X-rays travel in vacuum with the speed of light (3 × 108 m/s) as they are also electromagnetic waves.
• They are not deviated by electric and magnetic fields.
• They affect the photographic plate very intensely.
• They ionise the gas through which they pass.
• They cause fluorescence in substances like zinc sulphide, barium platinocyanide, calcium tungstate etc.
• Like light, X-rays can also cause photoelectric effect.
• They travel in straight line and while doing so, they cast the shadows of the objects falling in their path.
• X-rays can undergo reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction and polarisation.
• X-rays can penetrate the materials that are opaque to visible or ultra violet light. They can easily
pass through paper, thin sheet of metals, wood, flesh etc. but they can not penetrate denser objects
such as bones, heavy metals, etc.
• They have injurious effect on human bodies. Exposure of human body to X-rays causes reddening
of the skin. The long exposures result into surface sores.
Uses of X-rays:
• They are used in medical diagnosis like locating the fracture in the bone, foreign materials like coin
or bullet in the body.
• They are used in radio therapy to cure skin diseases, cancer and tumors.
• They are used in engineering for locating the faults, cracks and flaws in the finished metallic materials.
• X-rays are used by detective agencies to detect the gold, silver, diamond and other contraband goods,
etc. concealed in bags or the body of a person.
• X-rays are also used to study the crystal structure.
Ultraviolet Rays
Ultra violet rays were discovered by Ritter in 1801. The ultra violet rays are part of solar spectrum.
They can be produced by the arcs of mercury and iron. They can also be obtained by passing
discharge through hydrogen and xenon. The frequency of ultra violet rays lies in the range of
8 × 1014 Hz to 1 × 1016 Hz. The wavelength of ultra violet rays varies from 3 × 10–8 m to 3 × 10–7 m.
Properties of ultraviolet rays:
• Ultra violet rays are electromagnetic waves and travel with the speed of 3 × 108 m/s.
• They also obey the laws of reflection and refraction.
• They can also undergo interference and can be polarised.

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• When allowed to fall on metals, they cause the emission of photoelectrons.
• They can affect a photographic plate.
• Ultra violet rays can cause fluorescence in certain materials.
• Ultra violet rays can not pass through glass but quartz, fluorite and rock salt are transparent to
them.
• Ultra violet rays possess the property of synthesizing vitamin D, when the skin is exposed to the
sunlight.
Uses of ultraviolet rays:
• Ultra violet rays are used for checking the mineral samples by making use of its property of
causing fluorescence.
2
• k Ultra violet absorption spectra is used in the study of molecular structure.

• Ultra violet rays destroy bacteria and hence it is used for sterilizing surgical instruments.
• Ultra violet rays are used in burglar alarm by using its ability to cause emission of photoelectrons.
Visible Light
It forms a very narrow part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Visible light stimulate the sense of
light. The frequency of visible light lies in the range of 4 × 1014 Hz to 8 × 1014 Hz. The wavelength
of visible light varies from 4 × 10–7 m to 8 × 10–7 m. The visible light is emitted due to the atomic
excitation. Human eye is sensitive to only visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Human eye is sensitive to only visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Different types of
detectors are used to detect and study the different part of the spectrum. The following table gives
the wavelength range of different colours of visible light.
Table: Visible spectrum

Colour Wavelength (m)

–7 –7
Violet 3.9 × 10 m to 4.5 × 10 m
–7 –7
Blue 4.5 × 10 m to 5 × 10 m
Green 5 × 10–7 m to 5.7 × 10–7 m
–7 –7
Yellow 5.7 × 10 m to 5.9 × 10 m
Orange 5.9 × 10–7 m to 6.2 × 10–7 m
–7 –7
Red 6.2 × 10 m to 7.8 × 10 m

Infrared Rays
Infrared rays were discovered by Herschell. Infra red rays are heat radiation and therefore all hot
bodies are the sources of infra red rays. About 60% of solar radiation is infra red in nature. The
frequency of infra red rays in the range of 4 × 1014 Hz to 1 × 1013 Hz and the wavelength of infra red
rays lies in the range of 8 × 10–7 m to 3 × 10–5 m.
Properties of infrared rays :
• Infra red rays are electromagnetic waves and travel with a speed of 3 × 108 m/s.
• Infra red rays obeys laws of reflection and refraction.
• Infra red rays can produce interference and can be polarised.
• When allowed to fall on matter, infra red rays produce an increase in temperature.
• Infra red rays affects a photographic plate.
• When absorbed by molecules, the energy of infra red rays gets converted into molecular vibrations.
• They can scattered less as compared to the visible light by the atmosphere. Hence infra red can
travel through longer distances through atmosphere under the conditions of smoke, fog etc.

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Uses of infrared rays :
• Infra red rays from the sun keep the earth warm and hence help to sustain life on earth.
• The coal deposits in the interior of earth are the result of conversion of forest wood into coal due to
infra red rays.
• Infra red rays are used in solar water heaters and cookers.
• Infra red rays photographs are used for weather forecasting.
• Infra red rays are used for taking photographs during the conditions of fog, smoke etc.
• Infra red rays absorption spectra is used in the study of molecular structure and then to check the
purity of the chemicals.
• Infra red rays are used for producing dehydrated fruits.
• Infra red rays are used to provide electrical energy by satellites by using solar cells.
Infra red rays are used to treat muscular strains.

Microwaves
The microwaves are produced by oscillating electronic circuits. The frequency of microwaves
lies between 3 × 1011 Hz to 1 × 109 Hz. The wavelength of microwaves lies in the range of 10–3 m to
3 × 10–1 m. The microwaves are used in radar and other communication systems.
Properties of microwaves:
• They obey the laws of reflection and refraction.
• They heat an object on which they are incident.
Uses of microwaves:
• Microwaves are used for the transmission of TV signals.
• They are used for long distance telephone communication.
• Microwave ovens are used for cooking.
• They are used in radar systems for the location of distant objects like ships, aeroplanes etc.
• They are used in the study of atomic and molecular structure.

Radiowaves
Like microwaves, radiowaves are also produced by oscillating electronic circuits. The frequency of
radiowaves varies from a few Hz to 109 Hz. The wavelength of radiowaves lies in the range of 1 m
to 10 km. The radio waves are used as carrier waves in radio broadcasting and T.V. transmission.
The following table gives a brief account of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Properties of radiowaves:
• They obey laws of reflection and refraction.
• Radio waves get diffracted from obstacles coming in their path. The size of the obstacle should be
large as radio waves are having quite larger wavelengths.
Uses of radiowaves:
• Radio waves are used for wireless communication purposes.
• They are used for radio broadcasting and transmission of TV signals.
• Cellular phones use radio waves to transmit voice communication in the ultra high frequency (UHF)
band.

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CLASSWORK
1. The electromagnetic waves are 7. In an apparatus, the electric field was
found to oscillate with an amplitude of
a) Longitudinal
18 V/m. The magnitude of the oscillating
b) Transverse magnetic field will be
c) May be longitudinal or transverse
a) 4 × 10–6T b) 6 × 10–8 T
d) Neither longitudinal nor transverse
c) 9 × 10–9T d) 11 × 10–11 T
2. The electromagnetic waves travel with a
velocity 8. Maxwell in his famous equation of
a) equal to velocity of sound electromagnetism introduced the concept of

b) equal to velocity of light a) a.c. current

c) less than velocity of light b) d.c. current
d) None of these
c) displacement current
3. Electromagnetic waves are produced by
d) impedance
a) Charge at rest only
b) Charges in uniform motion only 9. The idea of displacement current was given by

c) Accelerated or decelerated charges a) Maxwell b) Hertz

d) All of these
4. An electromagnetic wave is made up of joint
electric (E) and magneitc (B) fields. Its
direction of propagation is
a) parallel to E
b) perpendicular to E but parallel to B
c) Marconi d) Bose
10. The speed of electromagnetic wave in vacuum
depends upon the source of radiation. It
a) increases as we move from  -rays to radio
waves

c) parallel to B b) decreases as we move from  -rays to radio

d) perpendicular to both E and B waves

5. The expression μ 0 ε 0 has the dimensions c) is same for all of them

of
d) None of these
–1 –1
a) [LT ] b) [L T]
11. If a source is transmitting electromagnetic
c) [LT –2 ] d) [L 2 T –1 ] wave of frequency 8.2 × 10 6 Hz, then
6. In an electromagnetic wave, the phase wavelength of the electromagnetic waves
difference between electric and magnetic transmitted from the source will be
 
field vectors E and B is
a) 36.6 m b) 40.5 m
a) 0 b)  / 2
c) 42.3 m d) 50.9m
c)  d)  / 4

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12. The energy of electromagnetic wave in 18. Intensity of electromagnetic wave will be
vacuum is given by the relation
a) I  c0 B02 / 2 b) I  cB02 / 2 0
E2 B2 1 1
a)  b)  E 2  0 B 2
2 0 2 0 2 0 2 c) I  B02 / c0 d) I  E02 / 2c 0

B2 19. In an electromagnetic wave

E2  B2 1
 E 2

c) d)
c 2 0 2 0 a) power is transmitted along the magnetic field

13. The range of wavelength of the visible light is b) power is transmited along the electric and
magnetic fields
a) 10Å to 100Å
b) 4,000Å to 8,000Å c) power is equally transferred along the
electric and magnetic fields
c) 8,000Å to 10,000Å
d) power is transmitted in a direction
d) 10,000Å to 15,000Å
perpendicular to both the fields
14. Which of the following law asserts that the electric
field lines cannot form closed loops ? 20. Electromagnetic waves travel in a medium
a) Gauss’ law which has relative permeability 1.3 and
relative permittivity 2.14. Then the speed
b) Faraday’s law of the electromagnetic wave in the
c) Unmodified Ampere’s law medium will be

d) Modified Ampere’s law a) 13.6 × 106 m/s b) 1.8 × 101 m/s

15. An electromagnetic wave, going through c) 3.6 × 108 m/s d) 1.8 × 108 m/s
vacuum is described by E  E0 sin( kx  t ) .
21. Which of the following shows green house
Which of the following is independent of effect?
wavelength ?
a) Ultraviolet rays
a) k b) 
b) Infraredrays
c) k/  d) k 
c) X-rays
16. Which of the following is electromagnetic wave ?
a) X-rays and light wave d) None of these

b) Cosmic rays and sound waves 22. Which of the following waves have the
maximum wavelength
c) Beta rays and sound waves
a) X-rays b) I.R. rays
d) Alpha rays and sound waves
17. The magnetic field in a travelling c) UV rays d) Radio waves
electromagnetic wave has a peak value of 23. All components of the electromagnetic
20 nT. The peak value of electric field spectrum in vacuum have the same
strength is
a) energy b) velocity
a) 3 V/m b) 6 V/m
c) wavelength d) frequency
c) 9 V/m d) 12 V/m

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24. The amplitude of electric and magnetic 30. Maxell’s equations describe the
fields related to each other as fundamental laws of
a) E0 = B0 b) E0 = cB0 a) Electricity only

B0 c b) Magnetism only
c) E 0  d) E 0  B
c 0
c) Machanics only
25. Electromagnetic radiation of highest d) Both (a) and (b)
frequency is
31. Which radiation in sunlight, causes heating
a) infrared radiations
effect?
b) visible radiation
a) Ultraviolet b) Infrared
c) radio waves
c) Visible light d) All of these
d)  -rays
  32. Electromagnetic waves are produced by
26. If E and B are the electric and magnetic
field vectors of E.M. waves then the a) charged particle varying both in space &
direction of propagation of E.M. wave is along time
the direction of
b) accelerated charged particles varying both
  in space and time
a) E b) B
  c) accelerated particles varying in time
c) E  B d) None of these

27. Which of the following is the unit of d) all of the above

displacement current 33. Radiations of intensity 0.5 W/m2 are striking
a) Cs –1 b) Vs –1 a metal plate. The pressure on the plate is

c) Vm –1 d) Cm – 1 a) 0.166 × 10–8 N/m2

28. The pressure exerted by an electromagnetic b) 0.332 × 10–8 N/m2
wave of intensity I (watts/m 2 ) on a
nonreflecting surface is [c is the velocity of c) 0.111 × 10–8 N/m2
light]
d) 0.083 × 10–8 N/m2
2
a) Ic b) Ic
34. The ratio of amplitude of magnetic field to
c) I/c d) I/c 2 the amplitude of electric field for an
29. According to Maxwell’s equation, the electromagnetic wave propagating in
velocity of light in any medium is vacuum is equal to
expressed as
a) the speed of light in vacuum
1 1 b) reciprocal of speed of light in vacuum
a)  0 0 b) 
c) the ratio of magnetic permeability to the
electric susceptibility of vacuum
 0
c) d) d) unity
 

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35. Electromagnetic wave consists of periodically 39. For an e.m. wave propagating along X-axis,
oscillating electric and magnetic vectors E max = 30 V/m The maximum avoue of
magnetic field is,
a) in mutually perpendicular planes but
vibrating in phase a) 10–7 T b) 10–8 T
b) in mutually parallel planes but vibrating
c) 10 –9 T d) 10–6 T
in phase
c) in mutually perpendicular planes but 40. Which rays are not the portion of
electromagnetic spectrum ?
vibrating with a phase difference of  / 2 .

d) in mutually perpendicular planes but a) X-rays b) Microwaves

vibrating with a phase difference of  .
c) -rays d) Radio waves
36. The electric and the magnetic field
associated with an E.M. wave, propagating 41. Radio waves diffract around building
along the +z-axis, can be represented by although light waves do not. The reason is
that radio waves
 
a) [ E  E0 iˆ , B  B0 ˆj ]
a) travel with speed larger than c
 
b) [ E  E0 kˆ , B  B0 iˆ] b) have much larger wavelength than light

  c) are not electromagnetic waves

c) [ E  E0 ˆj , B  B0 iˆ ]
d) None of these
 
d) [ E  E0 ˆj , B  B0 kˆ ]
42. For E.M. waves which of the following
37. The decreasing order of wavelength of statement is true :
infrared, microwave, ultraviolet and
gamma rays is a) E.M. waves obey the principle of super
position of waves
a) microwave, infrared, ultraviolet, gamma rays
b) E.M. waves are produced by accelerated
b) gamma rays, ultraviolet, infrared, micro-waves
particles
c) microwaves, gamma rays, infrared, ultraviolet
1
d) in frared, microwave, ultraviolet, gamma rays c) For an E.M. wave, c 
(  0 0 )2
38. For an electromagnetic wave,
a) Average el ectric desi ty and average d) E.M. waves always travel with speed of
magnetic energy density are zero light

b) Average electric density and average 43. If v , r and m represent the wavelength
magnetic energy density are equal of visible light x-rays and microwaves
c) Average electric density and average respectively, then
magnetic energy density have different
values a) m  x  v b) v  m   y
d) Average electric density and average
magnetic energy density do not exist c) m  v  x d) v  x  m

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 Electromagnetic Waves
44. An electromagnetic wave travels along 49. If a source is transmitting electromagnetic
z-axis. Which of the following pairs of wave of frequency 8.2 × 10 6 Hz. Then
space and time varying fields would wavelength of the electromagnetic waves
generate such a wave ? transmitted from the source will be
a) 36.6 m b) 40.5 m
a) Ex,By b) Ey,Bx
c) 42.3 m d) 50.9m
c) Ez,Bx d) Ey,Bz 50. The dielectric constant of air is 1.006. The
speed of electromagnetic wave travelling
45. Momentum carried by an electromagnetic
in air is a × 108 ms–1 , where a is ?
wave having energy U is given as,
a) 3 b) 3.88
a) U / c b) U × cU  c c) 2.5 d) 3.2

c) c / 2U d) 2U / c 51. Energy transported by electromagnetic

waves per second per unit area is given
46. A radiowave has a maximum magnetic as,
field induction of 10 –4 T on arrival at a  
receiving of such a wave is E B
a) b)
0 0
a) zero b) 3 × 104 V/m
 
c) 5.8 × 10 –9
V/m d) 3.3 × 10 –13
V/m E B 0
c) d)  
0 E B
47. In an electromagnetic wave, the amplitude
of electric field is 1 V/m. The frequency of 52. A plane electromagnetic wave travels in
wave is 5 × 10 14 Hz and is moving along free space along x-axis. At a particular
Z-axis. What is the energy density of point in space, the electric field along y-axis
electric field ? is 9.3 V m–1. The magnetic induction (B)
along z-axis is
a) 4.4 × 10–12 J/m 3 b) 6.6 × 10–12 J/m3
a) 3.1 × 10–8 T b) 3 × 10–5 T
–12 3 –12 3
c) 2.2 × 10 J/m d) 8.8 × 10 J/m c) 3 × 10–6 T d) 9.3 × 10–6 T
 
48. If E and B are the electric and magnetic field 53. A point source of electro magnetic
vectors of E.M. waves then the direction of radiation has an average power output of
propagation of E.M. wave is along the 1500 W. The maximum value of electric
direction of field at a distance of 3m from this sources
in Vm–1 is
 
a) E b) B
a) 500 b) 100
  c) 500 / 3 d) 250 / 3
c) E  B d) None of these

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 Electromagnetic Waves
ASSIGNMENT
1. The magnetic field in a plane electromagnetic 8. In a plane e.m. wave, the magnetic field
field is given by, oscillates sinusoidally with a frequency of
By = 2 × 10–7 sin(0.5 × 103 z +1.5 × 1011 t)T. 3 × 1010 Hz and amplitude 128 nT. Then the
The expression for the electric field may be wavelength of the wave and the amplitude
given by of the oscillating electric field respectively
a) Ey = 2 × 10–7sin(0.5 × 103z + 1.5 × 1011t) V/m will be,
b) Ex = 2 × 10–7 sin(0.5 × 103z + 1.5 × 1011t) V/m a) 10–6 m; 50 Vm–1 b) 10–2 m; 28 Vm–1
c) Ey = 60 sin(0.5 × 103 z + 1.5 × 1011t) V/m c) 10–2 m; 38.4 Vm–1 d) 10–9 m; 49 Vm–1
d) Ex = 60 sin(0.5 × 103z + 1.5 × 1011t) V/m
9. A point source (spherical) of electromagnetic
2. If c is the speed of electromagnetic waves
radiation has an average power output
in vacuum, its speed in a medium of
of800 W. The maximum value of electric
dielectric constant K and relative
field at a distance 4.0 m from the source is
permeability  r is
a) 64.7 V/m b) 57.8 V/m
1
a) v   K b) v  c  r K c) 56.72 V/m d) 54.77 V/m
r
10. The electric field for an electromagnetic
c K wave is, E  E0 sin[ (12  1015 t  4  10 7 x)]
c) v   K d) v   C
r r
What is the speed of the e.m. wave ?
3. A plane electromagnetic wave travels in
a) 12 × 1015 m/s b) 4 × 107 m/s
free space along X-axis. At a particular
point in space, the electric field along Y-axis c) 3 × 108m/s d) 48 × l08 m/s
is 9.3 Vm –1 , The magnetic induction (B) 11. The oscillating magnetic field in a plane
along Z-axis is electromagnetic wave is given by
a) 3.1 × 10–8 T b) 3 × 10–5 T
–7
B y  8  10 6 sin[ 2  10 11 t  300x ] (in T )
c) 3.1 × 10 T d) 9.3 × 10–6 T
4. The frequencies of X-rays,  -rays and then wavelength of the wave
ultraviolet rays are respectively a, b and c a) 6.67 × 10–3 m b) 4.67 × 10–3 m
then c) 2.67 × 10–3 m d) 5.67 × 10–3 m
a) a < b, b > c b) a > b, b > c
12. Light wave is travelling along
c) a > b, b < c d) a < b, b < c
5. An electromagnetic wave going through y-direction. If corresponding

vacuum is described by E  E0 sin(kx  t ) , E vector at any time is along

B  B0 sin(kx  t ) . Which of the following the x-axis, the direction of B
equations is true vector at that time is along
a) E0 k  B0 b) E0  B0 k a) y-axis b) x-axis
c) E0 B0  k d) None of these c) +z-axis d) –z-axis
6. Energy stored in electromagnetic 13. Consider the following two statements
oscillations is in the form of regarding a linearly polarised plane
a) electric energy b) magnetic energy electromagnetic wave :
c) both (a) and (b) d) none of these i. electric field and the magnetic field have
7. A new system of unit is evolved in which equal average values
the values of  0 and 0 are 2 and 8 ii. electric energy and the magnetic energy
respectively. Then the speed of light in this have equal average values
system will be a) (i) is true b) (ii) is true
a) 0.25 b) 0.5 c) both are true d) both are false
c) 0.75 d) 1

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 Electromagnetic Waves
14. An electromagnetic wave of frequency 20. Infrared spectrum lies between
v = 3.0 MHz passes from vacuum into a a) radio wave and microwave region
dielectric medium with permittivity = 4.0 . b) microwave and visible region
Then
c) visible and ultraviolet region
a) wavelength is halved and frequency
d) ultraviolet and X-rays
remains unchanged
21. The energy of the e.m. waves is of the order
b) wavelength is doubled and frequency
of 15 keV. To which part of the spectrum
becomes half
does it belong?
c) wavelength is doubled and the frequency
remains unchanged a)  -rays b) X-rays
d) wavelength and frequency both remain c) Infra red d) Ultra violet
unchanged. 22. The shortest wavelength of X-rays emitted
15. An electromagnetic wave passes through from an X-ray tube depends upon
space and its equation is given by a) nature of gas in tube
E  E0 sin(t  kx) where E is electric field. b) voltage applied to tube
Energy density of electromagnetic wave in c) current in the tube
space is d) nature of target of tube
1 1 23. X-rays are not used for radar purposes,
a)  0 E02 b)  0 E02
2 4 because they are not
a) reflected by target
c)  0 E02 d) 2 0 E02
b) partly absorbed by target
16. Which of the following is of shortest
c) electromagnetic waves
wavelength ?
d) completly absorbed by target
a) X-rays b)  -rays
24. A plane electromagnetic wave is incident
c) microwaves d) radiowaves
on a plane surface of area A, normally and
17. A. The wavelength of microwaves is greater is perfectly reflected. If energy E strikes the
than that of UV-rays surface in time t then average pressure
B. The wavelength of IR rays is lesser than exerted on the surface is (c = speed of light)
that of UV-rays a) zero b) E/Atc
C. The wavelengt h of microwaves is lesser c) 2E/Atc d) E/c
than that of IR rays
25. The frequency of visible light is of the
D. Gamma rays has shortest wavelength in order of
the electromagnetic spectrum.
a) 1014 Hz b) 1010 Hz
Of the above statements
c) 106 Hz d) 104 Hz
a) A and B are true b) B and C are true
26. The wavelength of ultraviolet rays is of the
c) C and Dare true d) A and D are true order of
18. Nuclei of radio active elements like a) 10 –3 m b) 10–1 m
uranium, radium emit
c) 10 –8 m d) 10–14 m
a) X-ryas b) Radio waves
27. Which one of the following are not
c) Gamma rays d) UV rays transverse waves?
19. A radar sends the waves towards a distant a) Sound waves
object and receives the signal reflected by
b) Visible light waves
object. These waves are
c) Gamma rays
a) sound waves b) light waves
d) X-rays
c) radiowaves d) microwaves

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28. Which of the following statements is wrong ? 37. Which of following represents an infrared
a) Ultraviolet rays have a wavelength longer wavelength?
than infra-red rays a) 10–4 cm b) 10–5 cm
b) Infra-red rays travel with the same velocity c) 10–6 cm d) 10–7 cm
as visible light
38. Which of the following is used for wireless
c) Infra-red can be focussed by a lens and can
communication and transmission of T.V.
be reflected by a mirror just as visible
signals?
light
d) Infra-red rays have more heating power a) Gamma rays b) infrared rays
than visible light rays c) Radio waves d) Microwaves
29. Gamma rays have wavelength in the range, 39. The wavelength of X-rays is of the order of
a) 10–12 to 10–14 m b) 10–18 to 10–10 m a) 1 cm b) 1 micron c) 1 Å d) 1 m
c) 10–4 to 10–2 m d) 10–8 to 10–4 m
40. Which of the following will deflect in electric
30. The range of wavelength of the different
field ?
waves of visible light is
a) X-rays b) gamma rays
a) violet  green  orange  red
b) red  orange  green  violet c) cathode rays d) ultraviolet rays

c)  violet  red  green  orange 41. Gamma rays is used in

d) violet  orange  red  green a) detecting flaws, gaps, cracks in metals
31. Return of excited atoms to their normal b) Burglar alarms
state produces c) Radio therapy for treatment of cancer and
a) UV rays b) X-rays tumour
c) visible light d)  -rays d) Sterilizing surgical instruments
32. Which of the following statement is 42. Electromagnetic radiation of highest
wrong? frequency is
a) Infrared photon has more energy than the a) Infrared radiation
photon of visible light
b) Visible radiations
b) Photographic plates can be made sensitive
to infrared rays c) X-rays
c) Photographic plates can be made sensitive d)  -rays
to infrared rays 43. The range of mavelength of the visible light
d) Infrared rays are invisible but can cast is
shadows like visible light rays.
a) 10Å to 100Å b) 4,000Å to 8,000Å
33. RADAR is operated in the
c) 8,000Å to 10,000Å d) 10,000Å to 15,000Å
a) infrared region b) X-ray region
c) Microwave region d) Radio wave region 44. ‘Green house effect’ is due to
34. Gamma rays were discovered by a) Absorption of ultraviolet radiation by ozone
a) W. Rontgen b) Villiard layer
c) Ritter d) Rontgen & Ritter b) Transmission of visible light by atmosphere
35. The penetrating power of X-ray increases c) Good weather
with the increase in its
d) Reflection of infrared rays emitted from
a) velocity b) intensity
earth by atmosphere
c) frequency d) wavelength
d E
36. Which of the following e.m. waves are used 45. The dimensions of  0 are that of
dt
in telecommunication?
a) X-rays b) Infra red a) Charge b) Potential
c) Micro waves d) Ultra violet c) Capacitance d) Current

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 Electromagnetic Waves
46. Radiowaves received by a radio telescope 54. The correct sequence of the increasing
from distant stars may have a wavelength wavelength of the given radiation sources is
of about 0.20 m. If the speed of the wave is a) radioactive sources, X-ray tube, crystal
3 × 108 m/s, then the frequency of the wave oscillator, sodium vapour lamp
will be
b) radioactive source, X-ray tube, sodium
a) 6.7 × 10–10 Hz b) 6.7 × 10–9 Hz vapour lamp, crystal oscillator
c) 1.5 × 1010 Hz d) 1.5 × 109 Hz
c) X-ray tube, radiactive source, crystal
47. In a plane e.m. wave, the electric field oscillator, sodium vapour lamp
oscillates sinusoidally at a frequency of
d) X-ray tube, crystal oscillator, radioactive
2.0 × 1010 Hz and amplitude 48 V m–1. The
source, sodium vapour lamp
wavelength of the wave is
55. Ozone layer blocks the radiations of wave
a) 1.5 × 10–2 m b) 1.5 × 10–2 m
a) less then 3 × 10–7 m
c) 4.16 × 108 m d) 3 × 108 m
b) equal to 3 × 10–7 m
48. In a plane electromagnetic wave propagating
in space has an electric field of amplitude c) more than 3 × 10–7 m
9 × 10 3 V/ m, then the amplitude of the d) all of these
magnetic field is
56. The speed of electromagnetic wave is same
a) 2.7 × 1012 T b) 9.0 × 10–3 T for
c) 4.16 × 10–4 T d) 3.0 × 10–5 T a) odd frequencies b) even frequencies
49. A radiowave has a maximum magnetic field c) all frequencies d) all intensities
induction of 10–4 T on arriaval at a receiving
antenna. The maximum electric field intensity 57. In an electromagnetic wave, the average
of such a wave is energy density associated with magnetic
field is given by
a) zero b) 3 × 104 V/m
c) 5.8 × 10–9 V/m d) 3.3 × 10–13 V/m 1 B2 1
a) 2  b) 0 B2
50. A radar sends the waves towards a distant 0 2
object and receives the signal reflected by object.
These waves are 1 B2 1
c) 2  d)  0 B2
0 2
a) sound waves b) light waves
c) radiowaves d) microwaves 58. In an electromagnetic wave, the average
energy density associated with the electric
51. The frequency of visible light is of order of
field is given by
a) 1015 Hz b) 1010 Hz
c) 106 Hz d) 104 Hz 1 B2 1
a) 2  b)  0 E2
0 2
52. The production of X-rays is a phenomenon
for the conservation of
1 E2 1
a) mass into potential energy c) 2  d) 0 B2
0 2
b) energy into heat
59. A parallel plate capacitor consits of circular
c) kinetic energy into radiant energy plates each of radius 10 cm separated by a
d) charge distance of 2 mm. If the charging current is
53. Energy of X-ray photon is 3.3 × 10–16 J. Its 0.2 A, what is the rate of variation of
frequency is potential ?
a) 2 × 1019 Hz b) 5 × 1018 Hz a) 1.44 × 109 V/s b) 2.88 × 109 V/s
c) 5 × 1017 Hz d) 5 × 1016 Hz c) 0.72 × 109 V/s d) 0.36 × 109 V/s

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 Electromagnetic Waves
60. A small metallic ball is charged positively 67. Light with an energy flux of 25 × 104 W m–2
and negatively in a sinusoidal manner at a falls on a perfectly reflecting surface at
frequency of 106 cps. The maximum charge normal incidence. If surface area is 15 cm2 ,
on the ball is 10–6 C. What is the displacement average force exerted on the surface is
current due to this alternating current? a) 1.25 × 10–6 N b) 2.50 × 10–6 N
a) 6.28 A b) 3.8 A c) 1.20 × 10_6 N d) 3.0 × 10–6 N
–4
c) 3.75 × 10 A d) 122.56 A 68. The condition under which a microwave
61. The pressure exerted by an electromagnetic oven heats up a food item containing water
wave of intensity I (watts/m 2 ) on an non- molecules most efficiently is
reflecting surface is [c is the velocity of light] a) Microwaves are heat waves, so always
a) Ic b) Ic2 produce heating
c) I / c d) I / c2 b) Infra-red waves produce heating in a
microwave oven
62. Electromagnetic waves travel in a medium
with a speed of 2 × 10 8 ms –1 .The relative c) frequency of the microwaves must match
permeability of the medium is 1. Find the the resonant frequency o f the water
relative permittivity. molecules
a) 1.85 b) 3.82 d) frequency of the microwaves has no relation
with natural frequency of water molecules
c) 2.25 d) 6.42
69. An electromagnetic wave of frequency
63. Find the wavelength of electromagnetic
  3.0 MHz passes from vacuum into a
waves of frequencies 4 × 10 17 Hz in free
dielectric medium with relative
space.
permittivity  4.0 . Then
a) 8.9 × 10–10 m b) 6.3 × 10–10 m
a) Wavel ength is doubled & frequency
c) 7.5 × 10–10m d) 7.8 × 10–10 m becomes half.
64. The electric field in a plane electromagnetic b) Wavelength is halved and frequency
wave is given by, remains unchanged
Ey = 72sin[1.5 × 103 x + 5 × 1011t] (in V m–1). c) Wavelength and frequency both remain
What are the amplitudes of the electric and unchanged.
magnetic fields associated with the wave? d) Wavelength is doubled and frequency
a) 72 V m–1; 2.4 × 10–7 T unchanged
b) 42 V m–1; 9.8 T 70. The electric field associated with an em wave
c) 1.5 V m–1; 2.4 × 10–6 T in vacuum is given by E  î 40 cos (kz – 6 × 108 t)
where E, z & t are in volt/m, meter & seconds
d) 5 V m–1; 9.8 × 10–7 T
respectively. Value of wave vector k is
65. The energy of the em waves is of the order
a) 2 m–1 b) 0.5 m–1
of 15 keV. To which part of the spectrum
does it belong? c) 6 m–1 d) 3 m–1
a) Ultraviolet rays b)  -rays 71. The ratio of amplitude of magnetic field to
the amplitude of electric field for an
c) X-rays d) Infra-red rays electromagnetic wave propagating in
66. A radiation of energy ‘E’ falls normally on vacuum is equal to
a perfectly reflecting surface. The a) the speed of light in vacuum
momentum transferred to the surface is
b) reciprocal of speed of light in vacuum
(C = Velocity of light)
c) the ratio of magnetic permeability to the
a) 2E / C 2 b) E / C 2 electric susceptibility of vacuum
c) E / C d) 2E / C d) unity

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72. Electric & magnetic field, associated with an 77. The velocity of electromagnetic radiation
e.m. wave, propagating along +z-axis, can in a medium of permittivity  0 and
be represented by permeability  0 is given by
   
a) [ E  E0 iˆ , B  B0 ˆj ] b) [ E  E0 kˆ , B  B0 iˆ]
    1 0
c) [ E  E0 ˆj , B  B0 iˆ] d) [ E  E0 ˆj , B  B0 kˆ ] a) b)
 0 0 0
73. The decreasing order of wavelength of
infrared, microwave, ultraviolet & gamma
rays is 0
c) 0 d)  0 0
a) microwave, infrared, ultraviolet, gamma rays
b) gamma rays, ultraviolet, infrared, microwaves
78. Electric & magnetic field of electromagnetic
c) microwaves, gamma rays, infrared, ultraviolet
wave are
d) infrared, microwave, ultraviolet, gamma rays
74. Which of the following statement is false a) in opposite phase and perpendicular to
for the properties of electromagnetic waves? each other
a) Both electric and magnetic field vectors
b) in opposite phase and parallel to each other
attain the maxima and minima at same
place and same time. c) in phase and perpendicular to each other
b) The energy in electromagnetic wave is d) in phase and parallel to each other
divided equally between electric and
magnetic vectors. 79. If v , x and m represent the wavelengths
c) Both electric and magnetic field vectors are of visible light, X-rays and microwaves
parallel to each other and perpendicular to respectively, then
the direction of propagation of wave. a) m  x  v b) m  v  x
d) These waves do not require any material
medium for propagation c) v  x  m d) v  m  x
75. Electric field of an electromagnetic wave in 80. We consider the radiation emitted by the
free space is given by, human body. Which one of the following
E = 10cos(107 t + kx) ĵ V/m, where t & x are statements is true ?
in seconds and metres respectively. It can a) The radiation emitted is in the infra-red region
be inferred that
1) the wavelength  is 188.4 m. b) The radiation is emitted only during the day
2) the wave number k is 0.33 rad/m. c) The radiati on is emitted during the
3) the wave amplitude is 10 V/m. summers and absorbed during the winters
4) the wave is propagating along +x direction.
d) The radiation emitted lies in the ultraviolet
Which one of the following pairs of
region and hence is not visible
statements is correct?
a) (3) & (4) b) (l) & (2) c) (2) & (3) d) (1) & (3) 81. Which of the following rays are not
76. The electric field part of an electromagnetic electromagnetic waves?
wave in a medium is represented by Ex = 0; a) X-rays b)  -rays
N  rad    2 rad  
E y  2.5 cos  2  10 6 t     10 x ; c)  -rays d) heat rays
C  m   s  
Ez = 0. The wave is 82. The velocity of electromagnetic wave is
a) moving along x direction with frequency parallel to
106 Hz and wavelength 100 m.    
a) B  E b) E  B
b) moving along x direction with frequency  
106 Hz and wavelength 200 m. c) E d) B
c) moving along -x direction with frequency 83. What is the cause of Green house effect?
106 Hz and wavelength 200 m.
a) infra-red rays b) ultra violet rays
d) moving along y direction with frequency
2  10 6 Hz and wavelength 200 m. c) X-rays d) radio waves

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 Electromagnetic Waves
84. Biological importance of ozone layer is 92. Which of the following electromagnetic
a) it stops ultraviolet rays radiations have the longest wavelength ?
b) ozone layer reduces green house effect a) X-rays b) y-rays
c) ozone layer reflects radio waves c) Microwaves d) Radiowaves
d) ozone layer control s O 2 /H 2 ratio in 93. The energy associated with electric field is
atmosphere (UE) and with magnetic field is (UB) for an
85. The frequency order for  -rays (B), X-rays electromagnetic wave in free space. Then
(A), UV rays (C) is UB
a) B > A > C b) A > B > C a) UE < UB b) U E 
2
c) C > B > A d) A > C > B c) UE = UB d) UE > UB
86. Wavelength of light of frequency 100 Hz 94. If the magnetic field of a plane e.m. wave is
a) 4 × l06m b) 3 × 106 m given by (the speed of light = 3 × 108 m/s)
c) 2 × 106 m d) 5 × 10–5 m   x 
B  100  10 6 sin2  2  10 15  t   then
87. If  0 and 0 are the electric permittivity   c 
and magnetic permeability in a free space, the maximum electric field associated
 and  are the corresponding quantities with it is
in medium, the index and refraction of the
a) 4.5 × 104 N/C
medium is
b) 4 × 104 N/C
 0 0 
a) b) c) 6 × 104 N/C
  0 0
d) 3 × 104 N/C
 0  95. Magnetic field in a plane electromagnetic
c) d)
 0 0 
wave is given by B  B0 sinkx  t ˆjT
88. Which of the following electromagnetic
radiations have the smaller wavelength? Expression for corresponding electric field
will be (Where c is speed of light.)
a) X-rays b)  -rays

c) UV waves d) microwaves. a) E   B0 c sinkx  t kˆV / m
89. The structure of solids is investigated by 
using b) E  B0 c sin kx  t kˆV / m
a) cosmic rays b) X-rays  B0
c) E  sin kx  t kˆV / m
c)  -rays d) infra-red radiations c
90. The frequency of electromagnetic wave, 
which best suited to observe a particle of d) E  B0 c sin kx  t kˆV / m
radius 3 × 10–4 cm is of the order of 96. A plane electromagnetic wave of frequency
a) 10 15 b) 1014 50 MHz travels in free space along the
c) 10 13 d) 1012 positive x-direction. At a particular point

91. In which of the following, emission of ins space and time, E  6.3 ˆj V/m. The
electrons does not take place 
corresponding magnetic field B , at the point
a) thermionic emission will be
b) X-rays emission a) 18.9  10 8 k̂T b) 2.1  10 8 k̂T
c) photoelectric emission
d) field emission c) 18.9  108 k̂T d) 6.3  10 8 k̂T

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 Electromagnetic Waves
PREVIOUS YEAR NEET MCQS
1. Light with an average flux of 20 W/cm2 falls 7. The energy of the em waves is of the order
on a non-reflecting surface at normal of 15 keV. To which part of the spectrum
incidence having surface area 20 cm2. The does it belong? (2015)
energy received by the surface during time a) Ultraviolet rays b)  -rays
span of 1 minute is (2020) c) X-rays d) Infra-red rays
3 3
a) 10 × 10 J b) 12 × 10 J 8. A radiation of energy ‘E’ falls normally
3
c) 24 × 10 J d) 48 × 103 J on a perfectly reflecting surface. The
2. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance momentum transferred to the surface is
20 µF is being charged by a voltage source (C = Velocity of light) (2015 Cancelled)
whose potential is changing at the rate of 2E E
3 V/s. The conduction current through the a) b)
C2 C2
connecting wires, and the displacement
current through the plates of the capacitor, E 2E
would be, respectively (2019) c) d)
C C
a) zero, zero b) zero, 60 µA 9. Light with an energy flux of 25 × 104 W m–2
c) 60 µA, 60 µA d) 60 µA, zero falls on a perfectly reflecting surface at
3. A electromagnetic wave is propagating normal incidence. If the surface area is
 25 cm 2, the average force exerted on the
in a medium with a velocity v  viˆ .
The instantaneous oscillating electric field surface is (2014)
–6 –6
of this electromagnetic wave is along a) 1.25 × 10 N b) 2.50 × 10 N
+y axis. Then the direction of oscillating c) 1.20 × 10–6 N d) 3.0 × 10–6 N
magnetic field of the electromagnetic wave 10. The condition under which a microwave
will be along (2018) oven heats up a food item containing water
a) –z direction b) +z direction molecules most efficiently is (2013)
c) –y direction 4) –x direction a) Microwaves are heat waves, so always
4. In an electromagnetic wave in free space produce heating.
the root mean square value of the electric b) Infra-red waves produce heating in a
field is Erms = 6 V m–1. The peak value of the microwave oven.
magnetic field is (2017) c) The frequency of the microwaves must
a) 2.83 × 10 T–8 –8
b) 0.70 × 10 T match the resonant frequency of the water
–8 molecules.
c) 4.23 × 10 T d) 1.41 × 10–8 T
d) The frequency of the microwaves has no
5. A 100  resistance and a capacitor of
relation with natural frequency of water
100  reactance are connected in series
molecules.
across a 220 V source. When the capacitor
11. An electromagnetic wave of frequency
is 50% charged, the peak value of the
displacement current is (2016) v = 3.0 MHz passes from vacuum into a
dielectric medium with relative permittivity
a) 2.2 A b) 11 A
 = 4.0. Then (Karnataka 2013)
c) 4.4 A d) 11 2 A a) Wavelength is doubled and frequency
6. Out of the following options which one becomes half.
can be used to produce a propagating b) Wavelength is halved and frequency
electromagnetic wave? (2016) remains unchanged.
a) A chargeless particle c) Wavelength and frequency both remain
b) An accelerating charge unchanged.
c) A charge moving at constant velocity d) Wavelength is doubled and frequency
d) A stationary charge unchanged.

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 Electromagnetic Waves
12. The electric field associated with an 17. The electric field of an e.m. wave in free
electromagnetic wave in vacuum is given 
space is given by E  10 cos 107 t  kx  ˆj V / m ,
by E = iˆ 40 cos (kz – 6 × 108t) where E, z and t
where t and x are in seconds and metres
are in volt/m, meter and seconds respectively. respectively. It can be inferred that
The value of wave vector k is (2012)
a) 2 m –1
b) 0.5 m –1 i) wavelength  is 188.4 m.
c) 6 m –1
d) 3 m–1 ii) wave number k is 0.33 rad/m.
13. The ratio of amplitude of magnetic field to iii) wave amplitude is 10 V/m.
the amplitude of electric field for an iv) wave is propagating along +x direction.
electromagnetic wave propagating in
Which one of the following pairs of
vacuum is equal to (Mains 2012)
statements is correct? (Mains 2010)
a) the speed of light in vacuum
a) ‘iii’ and ‘iv’ b) ‘i’ and ‘ii’
b) reciprocal of speed of light in vacuum
c) ‘ii’ and ‘iii’ d) ‘i’ and ‘iii’
c) the ratio of magnetic permeability to the
electric susceptibility of vacuum 18. The electric field part of an electromagnetic
d) unity wave in a medium is represented by Ex = 0;
14. The electric and the magnetic field, associated N  rad    2 rad  
with an e.m. wave, propagating along the E y  2.5 cos 2  10 6 t     10 x
C  m   s  
+z-axis, can be represented by (2011)
    Ez = 0. The wave is (2009)
a)  E  E0 iˆ , B  B0 jˆ  b)  E  E0 kˆ , B  B0 iˆ  a) moving along x direction with frequency
    106 Hz and wavelength 100 m.
c)  E  E0 jˆ , B  B0 iˆ  d)  E  E0 ˆj , B  B0 kˆ 
b) moving along x direction with frequency
15. The decreasing order of wavelength of 106 Hz and wavelength 200 m.
infrared, microwave, ultraviolet and c) moving along –x direction with frequency
gamma rays is (2011) 106 Hz and wavelength 200 m.
a) microwave, infrared, ultraviolet, gamma d) moving along y direction with frequency
rays 2  × 106 Hz and wavelength 200 m.
b) gamma rays, ultraviolet, infrared,
19. The velocity of electromagnetic radiation in
microwaves
a medium of permittivity  0 & permeability
c) microwaves, gamma rays, infrared,
ultraviolet 0 is given by (2008)
d) infrared, microwave, ultraviolet, gamma
rays 1 0
a) b)
16. Which of the following statement is false for 0 0 0
properties of electromagnetic waves? (2010)
a) Both electric and magnetic field vectors 0
attain the maxima and minima at the same c) d)  0 0
0
place and same time.
b) The energy in electromagnetic wave is 20. The electric and magnetic field of an
divided equally between electric and electromagnetic wave are (2007, 1994)
magnetic vectors. a) in opposite phase and perpendicular to
c) Both electric and magnetic field vectors are each other
parallel to each other and perpendicular to
the direction of propagation of wave. b) in opposite phase and parallel to each other
d) These waves do not require any material c) in phase and perpendicular to each other
medium for propagation. d) in phase and parallel to each other.

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 Electromagnetic Waves
21. If v , x and m represent the wavelengths 29. Wavelength of light of frequency 100 Hz
of visible light, X-rays and microwaves a) 4 × 106 m b) 3 × 106 m (1999)
6 –5
respectively, then (2005) c) 2 × 10 m d) 5 × 10 m
a) m  x  v b) m  v  x 30. If  0 and  0 are the electric permittivity and
magnetic permeability in a free space,  and
c) v  x  m d) v  m  x .
 are the corresponding quantities in
22. We consider the radiation emitted by the medium, the index and refraction of the
human body. Which one of the following medium is (1997)
statements is true? (2003)
a) The radiation emitted is in the infra-red  0 0 
a) b)
region   0 0
b) The radiation is emitted only during the
day  0 
c) The radiati on is emitted during the c) d) .
0 0
summers and absorbed during the winters
d) The radiation emitted lies in the ultraviolet 31. Which of the following electromagnetic
region and hence is not visible radiations have the smaller wavelength?
23. Which of the following rays are not a) X-rays b)  -rays (1994)
electromagnetic waves? (2003) c) UV waves d) microwaves
a) X-rays 
b) -rays 32. A signal emitted by an antenna from a
c)  -rays d) heat rays certain point can be received at another
point of the surface in the form of (1993)
24. The velocity of electromagnetic wave is
parallel to (2002) a) sky wave b) ground wave
    c) sea wave d) both ‘a’ and ‘b’
a) B  E b) E  B
  33. The structure of solids is investigated by
c) E d) B . using (1992)
25. What is the cause of Green house effect? a) cosmic rays
(2002) b) X-rays
a) infra-red rays b) ultra violet rays c)  -rays
c) X-rays d) radio waves.
d) infra-red radiations
26. Biological importance of ozone layer is
34. The frequency of electromagnetic wave,
a) it stops ultraviolet rays (2001)
which best suited to observe a particle of
b) ozone layer reduces green house effect radius 3 × 10–4 cm is of the order of (1991)
c) ozone layer reflects radio waves a) 10 15 b) 10 14
d) ozone layer control s O 2 /H 2 ratio in
c) 10 13 d) 10 12
atmosphere.
35. In which of the following, emission of
27. The frequency order for  -rays (B), X-rays
electrons does not take place (1990)
(A), UV rays (C) is (2000)
a) thermionic emission
a) B > A > C b) A > B > C
b) X-rays emission
c) C > B > A d) A > C > B.
c) photoelectric emission
28. Ozone layer blocks the radiations of
wavelength (1999) d) secondary emission
a) more than 3×10–7 m 36. Which of the following electromagnetic
b) equal to 3×10–7 m radiations have the longest wavelength?
c) less than 3×10–7 m a) X-rays b)  -rays (1989)
d) all of these c) Microwaves d) Radiowaves

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 117

 Electromagnetic Waves
PREVIOUS YEAR AIIMS MCQS
1. The velocity of electromagnetic waves in 10. Light propagates rectilinearly because of its
free space is 3 × 108 m/sec. The frequency of a) frequency b) velocity (2002)
a radio wave of wavelength 150 m, is (1996) c) wavelength d) wave nature.
a) 20 kHz b) 45 MHz 11. Velocity of light is equal to (2002)
c) 2 kHz d) 2 MHz. a)  0 0 b)  0 / 0
2. In general, wavelength of microwaves, is
1
a) more than that of infrared waves (1996) c)  0 / 0 d)
 0 0
b) more than that of radiowaves
c) less than that of infrared waves 12. The pressure exerted by an electromagnetic
wave of intensity I (watt/m 2 ) on a non
d) less than that of ultraviolet waves. reflecting surface is [c is the velocity of light]
3. Which of the following is the infrared a) Ic b) Ic2 (2002)
wavelength? (1997) c) I/c d) I/c 2

a) 10–4 cm b) 10–5 cm 13. Which wavelength of sun is used finally

c) 10–6 cm d) 10–7 cm as electric energy? (2007)
4. According to Maxwell’s hypothesis, a a) Radio waves b) Infrared waves
changing electric field gives rise to (1998) c) Visible light d) Micro waves
a) magnetic field b) electric current 14. The velocity of electromagnetic radiation in
a medium of permittivity  0 and
c) an e.m.f. d) pressure radiant
permeability  0 is given by (2008)
5. Light appears to travel in a straight line,
because (1998) 1 0
a) b)
a) its wavelength is very small  0 0 0
b) it is not absorbed by surrounding
0
c) its velocity is very large c) d)  0 0
0
d) it is reflected by surrounding
15. If vs, vx and vm are the speeds of gamma rays,
6. Energy is not carried by which of the X-rays and microwaves respectively in
following wave? (1998) vacuum, then (2009)
a) Electromagnetic b) Transverse a) vs > vx > vm b) vs < vx < vm
c) Stationary d) Progressive. c) vs > vx < vm d) vs = vx = vm
7. SONAR emits which of the following 16. The frequency order for X-rays (A),  -rays
waves? (1999) (B), UV rays (C) is (2012)
a) Ultrasound b) Radio a) B > A > C b) A > B > C
c) Light d) None of these. c) C > B > A d) A > C > B
17. Astronomical wavelength increase due to
8. A light of intensity I 0 passes through a
doppler effect known as (2013)
material of thickness d. The resultant
a) Red shift b) Violet shift
intensity is (2000)
c) UV d) IR shift
a) I  I 0 e  d  
b) I  I 0 1  e  d 18. The temperature of an object that emits
electromagnetic radiation must be (2015)
c) I  I 0 e  d /  d) I  I 0 1  e 
d / 
a) higher than 0°C
9. X-ray beams are affected by (2001) b) higher than 0 K
a) electric field b) magnetic field c) higher than that of its surroundings
c) both ‘a’ and ‘b’ d) none of these d) high enough for it to glow

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 118


Assertion And Reason
19. Assertion : Enviro nmental damage has
increased the amount of o zone in the
atmosphere. (1996)
Reason : Increase of ozone increases the
amount of ultraviolet radiation on earth.
20. Assertion : A pulsar is a source of radiowaves
that varies in intensity at regular intervals.
Reason : A pulsar is a rotating neutron star.
(1996, 1998)
21. Assertion : Quasar emits radiowaves more
than radio galaxy.
Reason : Quasar has very small size. (2002)
22. Assertion : Microwave communication is
preferred over optical communication. (2003)
Reason : Microwaves provide large number
of channels and bandwidth compared to
optical signals.
23. Assertion : Dipole oscillations produce
electromagnetic waves. (2007)
Reason : Accelerated charge produces
electromagnetic waves.
24. Assertion : Electromagnetic waves are
transverse in nature. (2010)
Reason : The electric and magnetic fields of
an e.m. wave are perpendicular to each other
and also perpendicular to the direction of
wave propagation.
VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS
Electromagnetic Waves
25. Assertion : In electromagnetic waves electric
field and magnetic field lines are perpendicular
to each other. (2012)
Reason : Electric field and magnetic field are
self sustaining.
26. Assertion : Electromagnetic radiations exert
pressure. (2013)
Reason : Electromagnetic-waves carry both
momentum and energy.
27. Assertion : Static crashes are heard on radio,
when lightning flash occurs in the sky. (2014)
Reason : Electromagnetic waves having
frequency of radio wave range interfere with
radio waves.
28. Assertion : UV radiation causes photo
dissociation of ozone into O 2 and O, thus
causing damage to the stratospheric ozone
layer. (2015)
Reason : Ozone hole is resulting in global
warming and climate change.
29. Assertion : The electromagnetic waves are
transverse in nature. (2016)
Reason : Waves of wavelength 10 mm are
radiowave and microwave.
30. Assertion : When a charged particle moves in
a circular path. It produces electromagnetic
wave. (2016)
Reason : Charged particle has acceleration.
31. Assertion : When a charged particle moves in
a circular path. It produces electromagnetic
wave. (2016)
Reason : Charged particle has acceleration.
119
 Electromagnetic Waves
PREVIOUS YEAR JIPMER MCQS
1. Ozone layer block the radiation of 6. An electromagnetic wave transfers (2014)
wavelength (2016) a) energy only
–7
a) more than 3 × 10 m b) momentum only
b) equal to 3 × 10–7 m c) neither momentum nor energy

c) less than 3 × 10–7 m d) both energy and momentum

7. Which of the following wave can't travel
d) more than 4 × 10–7 m
in vacuum? (2014)
2. In the electromagnetic spectrum, which a) X-rays b) Infrasonic
one of the following has greater wavelength
than visible light? (2016) c) Radio wave d) UV waves
8. What is the name given to that part of the
a) Ultraviolet b) Gamma rays electromagnetic spectrum which is used for
c) X-rays d) Infrared taking photographs of earth under foggy
conditions from great heights? (2014)
3. A small metallic ball is charged positively
a) Ultraviolet rays b) Visible rays
and negatively in a sinusoidal manner
at a frequency of 106 Hz. The maximum c) Infrared rays d) Microwaves
charge in the ball is 10 –6 C. What is the 9. Which of the following are the longest
displacement current due to this wavelength? (2012)
alternating current? (2016)
a) IR wave b) Light waves
a) 3.75 × 10–4 amp b) 122.56 amp
c) Microwaves d) Radio waves
c) 6.28 amp d) 13.8 amp 10. The electric and magnetic field of an
4. For electromagnetic wave propagating electromagnetic wave are (2010)
along x-axis, Emax = 30 V m–1 . What is the a) in phase and parallel to each other
maximum value of magnetic field? (2016)
b) in opposite phase and perpendicular to
a) 10–6
T b) 10–8
T each other
c) in opposite phase and parallel to each other
c) 10–9 T d) 10–7 T
d) in phase and perpendicular to each other
5. X-rays are not used for radar purposes,
because they are not (2015) 11. Monochromatic light of frequency
6.0 × 1014 Hz is produced by a laser. The
a) reflected by target power emitted is 2 × 10–3 W. The number of
photons emitted, on the average, by the
b) partly absorbed by target
source per seconds is (2010)
c) electromagnetic waves a) 5 × 1015 b) 5 × 1016
d) completely absorbed by target c) 5 × 1017 d) 5 × 1014

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 120


NCERT UNSOLVED
1. Figure shows a cpacitor made of two circular
plates each of radius 12 cm, and separated by
5.0 mm. The capacitor is being charged by
an external source (not shown in the figure).
The charging current is constant and equal to
a) Calculate the capacitance and the rate of
change of potential difference between the
plates.
b) Obtain the displacement current across the
plates
c) Is Kirchooff's first rule (junction rule) valid
at each plate of the capacitor? Explain.
2. A parallel plate capacitor as shown in figure
made of circular plates each of radius R = 6.0
cm has a capacitance C = 100 pF. The capacitor
is connected to a 230 V ac supply with a
(angular) frequency of 300 rad s–1.
a) What is the rms value of the conduction
b) Is the conduction current equal to the
displacement current?
c) Determine the amplitude of B at a point
3.0 cm from the axis between the plates.
3. What physical quantity is same for X-ray of
wavelength 10–10 m, red light of wavelength
6800 Å and radio waves of wavelength 500 m?
4. A plane electromagnetic wave travels in
vacuum along z-direction. What can you say
about the directions of its electric and
magnetic field vectors? If the frequency of the
wave is 30 MHz, what is its wavelength?
VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS
Electromagnetic Waves
5. A radio can tune in to any station in the
7.5 MHz to 12 MHz band. What is the
corresponding wavelenth band?
6. A charged particle oscillates about its mean
equilibrium position with a frequency of 109
Hz. What is the frequency of electromagnetic
wave produced by the oscillator?
7. The amplitude of the magnetic field part of a
harmonic electromagnetic wave in vacuum is
B0 = 510 nT. What is the amplitude of the
electric field part of the wave?
8. Suppose that the electric field amplitude
of an electromagnetic wave is E0 = 120 N C–1
and that its frequency is  = 50.0 MHz.
(a) Determi ne B 0 ,  , k and  . (b) Find
 
expressions for E and B .
9. The terminoogy of differetn parts of the
electromagnetic spectrum is given in the
NCERT text. Use the formula E  h and
obtain the photon energy in units of eV for
diff erent parts of the electromagnetic
spectrum. In what way are the different scales
of photon energies that you obtain related to
the sources of electromagnetic radiation?
10. In a plane electromagnetic wave, the electric
field oscillates sinusoidally at a frequency of
2.0 × 1010 Hz and amplitude 48 V m–1.
a) What is the wavleneght of the wave?
b) What is the amplitude of the oscillating
magneitc field?
c) Show that the average energy density of

the E field equals the average energy

density of the B field. [c = 3 × 108 m s–1]
11. Suppose that the electric f ield part of
an electromagnetic wave i n vacuum is
E = [(3.1 N/C)] cos[(1.8 rad/m)y + (5.4 × 108
rad/s)t] î .
a) What is the direction of propagation?
b) What is the wavelength  ?
c) What is the frequency  ?
d) what is the amplitude of the magnetic field
part of the wave?
e) Write an expression for the magnetic field
part of the wave.
121

12. About 5% of the power of a 100 W light bulb
is converted to visible radiation. What is the
average intensity of visible radiation
a) at a distance of 1 m from the bulb?
b) at a distance of 10 m ?
Assume that the radiation is emi tted
isotropically and neglect reflection.
13. Use the formula mT  0.29 cm K to obtain the
characteristic temperature ranges for different
parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. What
do the numbers that you obtain tell you ?
14. Given below are some famous numbers
associated with electromagnetic radiation in
different contexts in Physics. State the part of
the electromagnetic spectrum to which each
belongs.
a) 21 cm [wavelength emitted by atomic
hydrogen in interstellar space]
b) 1057 MHz [frequency of radiation arising
from two close energy levels is hydrogen;
known as Lamb shift].
c) 2.7 K [temperature associated with the
isotropic radiation filling all space-thought
to be a relic of 'big-bang' origin of universe].
d) 5890 Å [double lines of sodium]
e) 14.4 keV [energy of a particular transition
in 57Fe nucleus associated with a famous
high resolution spectroscopic method
(Mossbauer spectroscopy)].
VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS
Electromagnetic Waves
15. Answer the following questions–
a) Long distance radio broadcasts use short
wave bands. Why ?
b) It is necessary to use satellites for long
distance TV transmission. Why ?
c) Optical and radiotelescopes are built on the
ground but X-ray astronomy is possible only
from satellites orbiting the earth. Why ?
d) The small ozone layer on top of the
stratosphere is crucial for human survival.
Why ?
e) If the earth did not have an atmosphere,
would its average surface temperature be
higher or lower than what it is now?
f) Some scientists have predicted that a global
nuclear war on the earth would be followed
by a severe 'nuclear winter' wi th a
devastating effect of life on earth. What
might be the basis of this prediction?
122
 Electromagnetic Waves
NCERT EXEMPLAR
1. One requires 11eV of energy to dissociate a 7. An electromagnetic wave radiate outwards
carbon monoxide molecule into carbon and from a adipole antenna, with E 0 as the
oxygen atoms. The minimum frequency of amplitude of its electric field vector. The
the appropriate electromagnetic radiation to electric field E0 which transports significant
achieve the dissociation lies in energy from the source falls off as
a) visible region b) infrared region 1 1
c) ultraviolet region d) microwave region. a) b)
r3 r2
2. A lineraly polarized electromagnetic wave
1
 c) d) remains constant
given as E  E0 ˆj coskz  t  is incident r
normally on a perfectly reflecting infinite wall 8. An electromgnetic wave travels in vacuum

at z = a. Assuming that the material of the wall
is optically inactive, the reflected wave will be
 
along z direction : E  E1iˆ  E2 ˆj coskz  t .
Choose the correct options from the following
given as
 a) The associated magnetic field is given as

a) E0  E0 ˆj coskz  t  b) Er  E0 ˆj cos  kz  t   1
  c
 
B  E1iˆ  E2 ˆj cos kz  t .
c) Er   E0 ˆj coskz  t  d) E  E0 ˆj sinkz  t 
b) The associated magnetic field is given as
3. Light with an energy flux of 20 W cm–2 falls  1
ona non-ref lecting surface at no rmal  
B  E1iˆ  E2 ˆj coskz  t .
c
incidence. If the surface has an area of 30 cm2,
c) The given electromagnetic field is circularly
the total moentum delivered (for complete
polarised.
absorption) during 30 minutes is
d) The given electromagnetic wave is plane
a) 36 × 10–5 s–1 b) 36 × 10–4 kg m s–1 polarised.
4 –1
c) 108 × 10 kg ms d) 1.08 × 107 kg m s–1 9. An electromagnetic wave travelling along
4. The electric field intensity produced by a the
z-axis is given as : E  E0 coskz  t  . Choose
radiations coming from 100 W bulb at a 3 m
the correct options from the following
distance is E. The electric field internsity
a) The associated magnetic field is given as
produced by the radiations coming from
 1 
50 W bulb at the same distance is 1
 
B  kˆ  E  kˆ  E
c 
E
a) b) 2 E b) The electromagnetic field can be written
2
in terms of the associated magnetic field as
 
c)
E
2
d) 2E
 
E  c B  kˆ .
  
  c) kˆ.E  0 , kˆ.B  0. d) kˆ.E  0 , kˆ  B  0
5. If E and B represent electric and magneitc
10. A plane electromagnetic wave propagating
field vectors of the electromagnetic wave, the
along x direction can have the following pairs
direction of propagation of electromagnetic  
of E and B .
wave is along
  a) Ex, By b) Ey, Bz
a) E b) B
c) Bx, Ey d) Ez, By
   
c) B  E d) E  B 11. A charged particle oscillates about its mean
6. The ratio of contributions made by the electric equilibrium position with a frequency of
field and magnetic field components to the 109 Hz. The electromagnetic waves produced
intensity of an electromagnetic wave is a) will have frequency of 109 Hz
a) c : 1 b) c2 : 1 b) will have frequency of 2 × 109 Hz
c) will have a wavelength of 0.3 m
c) 1 : 1 d) c :1 d) fall in the region of radiowaves.

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 123


12. The source of electromagnetic waves can be a
charge
a) moving with constant velocity
b) moving in a circular orbit
c) at rest.
d) falling in an electric field.
13. An EM wave of intensity l falls on a surface
kept in vacuum and exerts radiation pressure
p on it. Which of the following are true ?
a) Radiation pressure is l/c if the wave is totally
absorbed
b) Radiation pressure is l/c if the wave is totally
reflected
c) Radiation pressure is 2l/c if the wave is
totally reflected
d) Radiation pressure is in the range l/c<p<2l/c
for real surfaces.
14. Why is the orientation of the portable radio
with respect to broadcasting station
important?
15. Why does microwave oven heats up a food
iterm containing water molecules most
efficiently?
16. The charge on a parallel plate capacitor varies
as q  q0 cos 2t. The plates are very plarge
and close together (area = A, separation = d).
Negl ecting the edge effects, find the
displacement current through the capacitor?
17. A variable frequency a.c. source is connected
to a capacitor. Hwo will the displacement
current change with decrease in frequency?
18. The magnetic field of a beam emerging from
a filter facing floodlight is given by
B0 = 12 × 10–8 sin(1.20 × 107 z - 3.60 × 1015 t)T.
What is the average intensity of the beam?
 26. What happens to the intensity of light from a
19. Poynting vectors S is defined as a vector
whose magnitude is equal to the wave
intensity and whose direction is along the
direction of wave propagation.
 1  
Mathematically, it is given by S  E  B. Show
0 itnesnity which is missing in the case of light
 from the bulb ?
the nature of S vs t graph.
VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS
Electromagnetic Waves
20. Professor C.V. Raman surprised his student
by suspending freely a tiny light ball in a
transparent vacuum chamber by shining a
laser beam on it. Which property of EM
waveleng was he exhibitin ? Give one more
example of this property.

21. Show that the magnetic field B at a point in
between the plates of a parallel-plate capacitor
 0  0 r dE
during charging is (symbols having
2 dt
usual meaning).
22. Electromagnetic waves with wavelength
i) 1 is used in satellite communication
ii) 2 is used to kill germs in water purifiers
iii) 3 is used to detect leakage of oil in
underground pipelines.
iv)  4 is used to improve visibility in runways
during fog and mist conditions.
a) Identify and name the part of
electromagnetic spectrum to which these
radiations belong.
b) Arrange these wavelengths is ascending
order of their magnitude
c) Write one more application of each.
23. Show that average value of radiant flux
density 'S' over a single period 'T' is given by
1
S E02 .
2 c 0
24. You are given a 2 F parallel plate capacitor..
How would you establish an instantaneous
displacement current of 1mA in the space
between its plates?
25. Show that the radiation pressure exerted by
an EM wave of intensity l on a surface kept in
vacuum is l/c.
bulb if the distance from teh bulb is doubled?
As a laser beam travels across the length of a
room, its intensity esentiallly remains
constnat. What geometrical characteristic of
LASER beam is responsible for the constant
124
 Electromagnetic Waves

27. Even though an electric field E exerts a force 31. A plane EM wave

qE on a charged particle yet the electric field of travelling in vacuum
an EM wave does not contribute to the radiation along z direction
pressure (but transfers energy). Explain. is given by
 
28. An infinitely long thin wire carrying a uniform E  E0 sinkz  t iˆ
linear static charge density  is palced along 
and B  B0 sinkz  t ˆj
the z-axis figure. The wire is set into motion
along its length with a uniform velocity 
 i) Evaluate E.d l over the rectangular loop

v  vkˆz. Cal culate the poything vector
 1   1234 shown in figure.
S 
E B .  
ii) Evaluate E.ds over the surface bounded
0 
29. Sea water at frequency   4  10 8 Hz has by loop 1234.
   d B E
permittivity   80 0 , permeability    0 iii) Use equation E.d l  to prove 0  c.
 dt B0
and resistivi ty   0.25  m. Imagine a
paralllel plate capacitor immersed in sea water iv) By using simialr process and the equation
and driven by an alternating voltage soruce  d  1
 B.dl   0I  0 E  , prove that C  .
V t   V0 sin2t  . What fraction of the  dt   0 0
conduction current density is the
displacement current density? 32. A plane EM wave travelling along z-direction
30. A long straight cable of length l is placed is described by E  E0 sinkz  t iˆ and
symmetrically along z-axis and has radius
a(<<l). The cable consists of a thin wire and a B  B0 sinkz  t ˆj . Show that
co-axial conducting tube. An alternating i) The average energy density of the wave is
current lt   l0 sin2t  flows down the
1 1 B02
central thin wire and returns along the co- given by uav   0 E02  .
axial conducting tube. The induced electric 4 4 0
field at a distance s from the wire inside the ii) The time averaged intensity of the wave is
s 1
cable is Es, t    0 l0 cos 2t  ln  kˆ . given by I av  c 0 E02 .
a 2

Born : 13 June 1831

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Died : 5 November1879 (aged 48)
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
Known For : Ma xwe l l' s e quat i on s, M axw el l relat i on s ,
Maxwell distribution, Maxwell's demon, Maxwell's
discs, Maxwell speed distribution, Maxwell's
theorem, Maxwell material, Generalized Maxwell
model, Displacement current, Maxwel l coil,
Maxwell'swheel

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 125

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ot
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VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 126