KEY FEATURES

1. Conduction current is the current, which arises due to flow of electrons through the connecting wires in an electric
circuit.
2. Displacement current is the current, which arises due to time rate of change of electric flux (p,) in some part
of the electric circuit.
𝒅∅𝑩
Mathematically- 𝑰𝑫 = ∈𝒐
𝒅𝒕
3. When a capacitor is charged or a charged capacitor is allowed to discharge, the electric flux between the
plates of the capacitor changes with time and it gives rise to displacement current between the plates.
4. The conduction and displacement currents are entirely different from each other. However, displacement
current produces magnetic field in the same manner, as the conduction current does.
5. The displacement current is always equal to the conduction current.
6. Modified Ampere circuital law states that the line integral of magnetic field B over a closed path is equal to
𝜇𝑜 , times the sum of the conduction current (I) and the displacement current (I,) threading the closed path.
𝑑∅
Mathematically- ⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
∮𝐵 𝑑𝑙 = 𝜇𝑜 (𝐼𝐶 + 𝜖𝑜 𝐵)
𝑑𝑡
It is also known as Ampere-Maxwell’s circuital law.
7. Following four equations, which describe the laws of electromagnetism, are called Maxwell’s equations
𝑞
⃗⃗⃗⃗ =
(i) ∮ 𝐸⃗ . 𝑑𝑆 (Gauss’s law in electrostatics)
∈𝑜

⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗
(ii) ∮ 𝐵 𝑑𝑆 =0 (Gauss’s law in magnetism)
𝑑∅𝐵
(iii) ∮ 𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 = - 𝑑𝑡
(Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction)

(iv) ∮ 𝐸 ⃗⃗
⃗ . 𝑑𝑙 = 𝜇𝑜 𝐼 (Ampere-Maxwell’s circuital law)
8. Maxwell’s equations are mathematical formulation of Gauss’ law in electrostatics, Gauss’ law in
magnetism, Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction and Ampere’s circuital law.
9. The electric (E) and magnetic fields (B) varying sinusoidally in space and time and propagating through
space, such that the two fields are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the direction of
propagation, constitute electromagnetic waves.
10. The direction of propagation of an electromagnetic wave is given by the cross product of electric field and
magnetic field vectors
11. The electromagnetic waves are transverse in nature.
1
12. The velocity of electromagnetic waves in free space is given by c = = 3 x 108 m/s
√𝜇𝑜 ∈𝑜
𝟏
In a material medium, velocity of electromagnetic waves is given by v =
√𝝁 ∈

13. The ratio of the amplitudes of electric and magnetic fields is constant and it is equal to velocity of the
electromagnetic waves in free space.
𝑬𝑶
Mathematically- =c
𝑩𝑶

14. The energy in electromagnetic waves is divided equally between the electric and magnetic field vectors.

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15. The electric vector of an electromagnetic wave is responsible for its optical effect. For this reason, the
electric vector is also called light vector.
𝒉𝒄
16. The energy transported by electromagnetic waves is given by U = hν =
𝝀
where U is energy transported by electromagnetic waves in a given time and c is speed of electromagnetic
waves in free space.
𝑼 𝒉𝝂 𝒉
17. The momentum transported by electromagnetic waves is given by p= = =𝝀
𝒄 𝒄
18. The intensity of electromagnetic waves i.e. energy crossing per second per unit area of a surface normally
𝟏
is given by I = ∈𝒐 𝑬𝒐 𝟐
𝟐
19. When electromagnetic waves strike a surface, they exert pressure on the surface.
20. The orderly distribution of electromagnetic waves (according to wavelength or frequency) in the form of
distinct groups, having widely differing properties, is called electromagnetic spectrum.
The main parts of electromagnetic spectrum are namely- 𝛾-rays, X-rays, ultra-violet rays, visible light, infra-
red rays, microwaves and radio waves.
21. The frequency of electromagnetic waves is its inherent characteristic. When an electromagnetic wave
travels from one medium to another, its wavelength changes but frequency remains unchanged.
22. All the types of electromagnetic waves travel with the same speed in free space.
23. The orderly arrangement of EM waves in increasing or decreasing order of wavelength l and frequency n
is called electromagnetic spectrum. The range varies from 10 -12 m to 104 m, i.e. from γ-rays to radio waves.
Electromagnetic wave spectrum is shown below

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 Uses of Electromagnetic Spectrum
(i) γ-rays are highly penetrating; they can penetrate thick iron blocks. Due to high energy, they are used
to initiate some nuclear reactions. γ-rays are produced in nuclear reactions. In medicine, they are
used to destroy cancer cells.
(ii) X-rays are used in medical diagnostics to detect fractures in bones, tuberculosis of lungs, presence of
stone in gallbladder and kidney. They are used in engineering to check flaws in bridges. In physics X-
rays are used to study crystal structure.
(iii) Ultraviolet rays provide vitamin D. These are harmful for skin and eyes. They are used to sterilise
drinking water and surgical instruments. They are used to detect invisible writing, forged documents,
finger prints in forensic lab and to preserve food items. @Cbsebookshub - Join Us on Telegram
Electromagnetic Waves 315
(iv) Infrared rays are produced by hot bodies and molecules. These waves are used for long distance
photography and for therapeutic purposes.
(v) Radio waves are used for broadcasting programmes to distant places. According to frequency range,
they are divided into following groups
(1) Medium frequency band or medium waves 0·3 to 3 MHz
(2) Short waves or short frequency band 3 MHz — 30 MHz
(3) Very high frequency (VHF) band 30 MHz to 300 MHz
(4) Ultrahigh frequency (UHF) band 300 MHz to 3000 MHz
(vi) Microwaves are produced by special vacuum tubes, namely; klystrons, magnetrons and gunn diodes.
Their frequency range is 3 GHz to 300 GHz. They are used in RADAR systems for aircraft navigation
and microwave used in homes

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QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
Q.1 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?
Ans- As we know that, the direction of electromagnetic wave is perpendicular to both electric and
magnetic fields. Here, electromagnetic wave is travelling in z-direction, then electric and magnetic fields
are in xy-direction and are perpendicular to each other.
Frequency of waves, n = 30 MHz = 30 X 106 Hz Speed, c = 3X108 m/s
Using the formula, c = nType equation here.λ Wavelength of electromagnetic waves,
𝑐 3 𝑥 108
𝜆= 𝑛
= 30 𝑥 106 = 10 m
Thus, the wavelength of electromagnetic waves is 10 m.
𝒙
Q.2 The electric field of an electromagnetic wave is given by E= 50 sin𝝎(t- ) N/C. Find the energy
𝒄
2
contained in a cylinder of cross-section 10cm and length 50 cm along the X-axis.
𝟏
Ans-The average value of energy density (energy / volume) is given by Uav = ∈𝒐 𝑬𝒐 𝟐
𝟐
Total volume of the cylinder V = A l
𝟏
Total energy contained in the cylinder, U = (Uav) V= ( ∈𝒐 𝑬𝒐 𝟐 ) Al
𝟐
𝟏
= 𝟐 ( 𝟖. 𝟖𝟔 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟐 )(𝟓𝟎)𝟐(10 X 10-4)(50 X 10-2)
= 5.5 X 10-12 J
Q.3 (i) Arrange the following electromagnetic waves in the descending order of their wavelengths.
(a) Microwaves (b) Infrared rays (c) Ultraviolet radiation (d) g-rays
(ii) Write one use each of any two of them
Ans-(i) The decreasing order of wavelengths of electromagnetic waves is
Microwaves > Infrared > Ultraviolet radiation > γ -rays
(ii) Microwaves -They are used in RADAR devices.
γ -rays- It is used in radio therapy.
Q.4 Name the parts of the electromagnetic spectrum which is
(i) suitable for RADAR systems in aircraft navigations.
(ii) used to treat muscular strain.
(iii) used as a diagnostic tool in medicine.
Write in brief, how these waves can be produced?
Ans- (i) Microwaves are suitable for RADAR systems that are used in aircraft navigation. These rays are
produced by special vacuum tubes, namely klystrons and magnetrons diodes.
(ii) Infrared rays are used to treat muscular strain. These rays are produced by hot bodies and molecules.
(iii) X-rays are used as a diagnostic tool in medicine. These rays are produced, when high energy electrons
are stopped suddenly on a metal of high atomic number.

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Q.5 Answer the following questions-
(i) Name the EM waves which are used for the treatment of certain forms of cancer. Write their
frequency range.
(ii) Thin ozone layer on top of stratosphere is crucial for human survival. Why?
(iii) Why is the amount of the momentum transferred by the EM waves incident on the surface
so small?
Ans- (i) γ-rays are used for the treatment of certain forms of cancer. Its frequency range is
3 X 1019 Hz to 5 X 1022 Hz.
(ii) The thin ozone layer on top of stratosphere absorbs most of the harmful ultraviolet rays
coming from the sun towards the earth. They include UVA, UVB and UVC radiations, which can
destroy the life system on the earth. Hence, this layer is crucial for human survival.
(iii) An electromagnetic wave transports linear momentum as it travels through space. If an
electromagnetic wave transfers a total energy U to a totally absorbing surface in time t, then
total linear momentum delivered to the at surface.
This means, the momentum range of EM waves is 10-19 to 10- 41. Thus, the amount of
momentum transferred by the EM waves incident on the surface is very small
Q.6 Answer the following questions.
(i) Show, by giving a simple example, how EM waves carry energy and momentum.
(ii) How are microwaves produced? Why is it necessary in microwaves ovens to select the
frequency of microwaves to match the resonant frequency of water molecules?
(iii) Write two important uses of infrared waves
Ans- (i) Consider a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. An
electric charge, on the plane will be set in motion by the electric and magnetic fields of EM
wave, incident on this plane. This is only possible, if EM wave constitutes momentum and
energy. Thus, this illustrates that EM waves carry energy and momentum.
(ii) Microwaves are produced by special vacuum tube like the klystron, magnetron and
Gunn diode. The frequency of microwaves is selected to match the resonant frequency of
water molecules, so that energy is transformed efficiently to increase the kinetic energy of
the molecules. Thus, facilitating the food to cook properly.
(iii) Uses of infrared rays
(a) In knowing the molecular structure and therapy to heal muscular pain.
(b) In remote control of TV, VCR, etc.

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Q.7 The magnetic field in a plane electromagnetic wave is given by
By =2 x 10-7 sin [0.5 x 103 x+1.5 x 1011 t] (in T)
(a) What is the wavelength and frequency of the wave?
(b) Write an expression for the electric field.
Ans-Here, By =2 x 10-7 sin [0.5 x 103 x+1.5 x 1011 t]
(a) The Y-component of the magnetic field is given
𝒙 𝒕
by By = BO sin2𝝅 (𝝀 + 𝑻)
Comparing the given equation with the above equation:
2𝜋 1
=
𝜆 0.5 𝑥 103
𝜆 = 1.257 𝑥 10−2 m
2𝜋
Also = 1.5 x 1011
𝑇
Or ν = 2.387 x 1010 Hz
(b) Since the argument of sine in the expression for the magnetic field is of the type (kx + 𝜔𝑡), the
direction of propagation of the e. m. wave is along negative X-axis and the magnetic field is along
negative Y-axis. Hence, the electric field is along negative Z-axis and expression for it is given by
𝒙 𝒕
Ey = EO sin2𝝅 (𝝀 + 𝑻)

Here, EO = BO c = 2 x 10-7 x 3 x 108 = 60 V/m

Ez = 60sin [0.5 x 103 x+1.5 x 1011 t] (in V/m)
Q.8 Suggest reasons, why
(a) food in metal containers cannot be cooked in a microwave oven.
(b) an empty glass container does not get hot in a microwave oven.
Ans. In a microwave oven, the frequency of microwaves is selected to match the resonance frequency
of water molecules, so that the energy from the waves is transferred efficiently to the kinetic energy
of the molecules. This raises the temperature of any food containing water.
(a) The atoms of the metallic container are set into forced vibrations by the microwaves. Due to this,
energy of the microwaves is not efficiently transferred to the metallic container. Owing to this, food
in metallic containers cannot be cooked in a microwave oven.
(b) The molecules of the glass container do not respond to the frequency of microwaves. Due to this,
energy from the microwaves is not transferred to the glass container and hence it does not get hot in a
microwave oven.

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Note: Q. No. 1-4 is of 01 mark each, Q. 5-6 is of 02 marks each, Q.No.7 is of 03 marks, Q. No. 8 is a case
study based and is of 04 marks, Q. No. 11 is of 5 marks.
S Question Ma
N rks
1 Out of the following options which one can be used to produce a propagating electromagnetic wave? 1
(a) A chargeless particles (b) An accelerating charge
(c) A charge moving at constant velocity (d) A stationary charge
2 Assertion (A): Like light radiations, thermal radiations are also an electromagnetic-radiations. 1
Reason (R): The thermal radiations require no medium for propagation.
cc- Both assertion and reason are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
dd- Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is not a correct explanation of assertion.
ee- Assertion is correct but the reason is incorrect
ff- Assertion is incorrect but the reason is correct.
3 The speed of electromagnetic wave in vacuum depends upon the source of radiation 1
(a) increases as we move from 𝛾-rays to radio waves
(b) decreases as we move from 𝛾-rays to radio waves
(c) is same for all of them
(d) None of the above

4 An electromagnetic wave going through vacuum is described by E= EO sin (kx -𝜔𝑡 ) and B =BO sin (kx -𝜔𝑡 ) 1
Which of the following equations is true?
(a) EOk = BO𝜔 (b) BOk = EO𝜔 (c) EOBO =𝜔𝑘 (d) None of these

5 When a plane electromagnetic wave travels in vacuum along y-direction. Write the 2
(i) ratio of the magnitudes and
(ii) the direction of its electric and magnetic field vectors.
6 Depict the fields diagram of an electromagnetic wave propagating along positive X-axis with its electric 2
field along Y-axis.
7 Find the wavelength of electromagnetic wave of frequency 5X1010 Hz in free space. 3
Give its two applications.
Case study-based questions (questions no 8- 10) X-RAY 4
X-ray is a type of radiation known as electromagnetic waves. It helps in creating pictures of the inside of
human body. These images show the different parts of the body in various shades of black and white. It
is due to the difference in amount of absorption by various tissues in the body. As calcium in bones
absorbs most of the X-rays, so bones look white in colour. Fat and other soft tissues absorb less and
depicts grey colour.
8. To which part of the electromagnetic spectrum does a wave of frequency 2 1018 ´ Hz belong? 1
9. What is the range of wavelength for X-rays? 1
10. How are the X-rays produced? 2
OR
10. Mention any two use of X-rays. 2
11 Name the parts of the electromagnetic spectrum which is 5
(i) suitable for RADAR systems in aircraft navigations. 1
(ii) used to treat muscular strain. 1
(iii) used as a diagnostic tool in medicine. 1
Write in brief, how these waves can be produced? 2

KVS ZIET CHANDIGARH 93

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