Jakarta – In general, waves consist of electromagnetic wave and mechanics. Mechanical waves always propagate through an intermediary or medium. Mechanical waves can be transverse waves such as propagation of rope, can also propagate as longitudinal waves such as sound through the medium of air or other objects.
While electromagnetic waves are waves that can propagate even though there is no medium. Electromagnetic energy propagates in the form of waves with several variables that can be measured, namely: wavelength, frequency, and speed. Wavelength is the distance between two crests.
Frequency is the number of waves that pass a point in one unit of time. The relationship between wave speed, frequency and wavelength is as follows
c = λ.f
- c = speed of light
- λ = wavelength
- f = frequency.
Electromagnetic energy is emitted or released all the time in the universe at different levels. The higher the energy level in an energy source, the lower the wavelength of the energy produced, and the higher the frequency.
Here are some things you should know about electromagnetic wave
A. Properties of Electromagnetic Waves
Reported from the Physics Book Package C ‘Capturing Waves’ by Salbiah, waves have 8 characteristics, namely:
- Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves
- Changes in the electric field E and the magnetic field B occur at the same time
- The direction of the electric field E and the magnetic field B are perpendicular to each other
- The electric field strength E and magnetic field B are directly proportional to each other
- The direction of propagation of electromagnetic waves is always perpendicular to the direction of the electric field E and the magnetic field B
- Electromagnetic waves can propagate in a vacuum
- The speed of propagation of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is a general constant (constant) c = 3 x 108 m/s. (meter/second = meter/second)
- Electromagnetic waves can undergo a process of reflection, refraction, polarization, interference, and diffraction (bending).
B. Source of Electromagnetic Waves
- Electrical Oscillation
- Sunlight
- Infrared lamps specifically produce infrared
- Ultraviolet lamp specifically produces ultra violet
- The bombardment of electrons in a vacuum tube on a metal chip produces X-rays (commonly referred to as X-rays).
- An unstable atomic nucleus that produces alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Gamma ray radiation is an electromagnetic wave.
C. Types of Electromagnetic Waves
1. Radio Waves
Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation. These waves are formed when sound or audio is turned into an electrical signal and through an oscillator wave (carrier wave) is modulated at the frequency contained in the radio wave frequency.
2. Microwave (Microwave)
Microwave (Microwave) is an electro magnetic wave with a super high frequency (Super High Frequency) which is above 3 GHz (3×109 Hz). If microwaves are absorbed by an object, then the molecules and atoms in the object will vibrate, resulting in a heating effect.
3. Infrared Waves (Infra Red)
Infrared is an electromagnetic wave that has a wavelength longer than visible light, but shorter than radio waves. Infrared light is produced by the electrons in the molecules vibrating and then break down into different molecules as the object is heated.
4. Visible Light (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and purple)
Visible light waves are electromagnetic waves that can be seen by the human sense of sight. Visible light waves are made up of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
5. Ultraviolet wave (Ultra purple)
Ultraviolet light is part of the color spectrum, but the human eye cannot see it. Ultraviolet light has a very short wavelength compared to other colors. This causes ultraviolet light to have a much stronger penetrating power than other colors. Ultra-violet light is able to penetrate human skin and can even change the structure of cells.
6. Sinar X (X-ray)
X-rays have a stronger penetrating power than ultraviolet light. X-rays are able to penetrate soft structures such as meat and wood, except for solid structures such as bone. With its ability to penetrate the flesh, the structure of the bones/skeleton can be seen on the film screen.
7. Sinar Gamma (Gamma ray)
Gamma rays are the most powerful electromagnetic waves among other electromagnetic waves. -ray waves can penetrate solid structures, and can even change the atomic structure into different atoms. -rays occur from a nuclear reaction process that produces radiation that tends to be harmful to living things.
Electromagnetic wave is a wave that can propagate in the absence of a medium. We use this wave to help our daily life. After understanding the nature, source, and types of electromagnetic waves, what are examples of electromagnetic waves around you?
Watch Videos “Ministry of Health: Next 2-3 Weeks Peak Omicron Exceeds 3-5 Times Delta“
[Gambas:Video 20detik]
(row/row)
–
