Electromagnetic waves are waves formed when an electric field comes in contact with a magnetic field. They are hence known as ‘electromagnetic’ waves. The electric field and magnetic field of an electromagnetic wave are perpendicular (at right angles) to each other. They are also perpendicular to the direction of the EM wave.

Electromagnetic waves do not require material medium for propagation. EM waves travel with a constant velocity of 3.00 x 10⁸ m/s in vacuum. They are deflected neither by the electric field, nor by the magnetic field. However, they are capable of showing interference or diffraction.

1. Electromagnetic waves are transverse in nature
2. Electromagnetic waves travel through vacuum at the speed of light
3. Electromagnetic waves do not require material medium for propagation
4. Electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating magnetic and electric fields that, are perpendicular to each other.
5. Electromagnetic waves are not reflected by electric or magnetic field

components of electromagnetic spectrum

The components of the electromagnetic spectrum from lowest to highest frequency is:

• Radio waves
• Microwaves
• Infrared rays
• Visible light
• Ultraviolet rays
• X-rays
• Gamma rays

Note: we can use this words to remember the arrangements "Raging Martians Invaded Venus Using X-ray Guns".

• Em waves are waves formed when electric field come in contact with magnetic field which are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the direction of the wave
• Em waves do not require material medium but rather they travel in vacuum at the speed of light
• components of Em spectrum are arranged from lowest to highest frequency using: Raging Martians Invade Venus Using X-ray Guns

• Differentiate between Mechanical and electromagnetic waves
• list and explain the sources of Electromagnetic waves