Internet Encyclopedia of Science
ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM
A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

                   HOME
ABOUT
CATEGORIES
COPYRIGHT
NEWSLETTER

  



electromagnetic wave



An electric field and associated magnetic field spreading in wavelike-fashion through space at a speed of about 300,000 km/s, with its direction and intensity at any point in space oscillating rapidly back and forth. James Clerk's Maxwell's theory in 1864 suggested that light was such a wave, and today we know that such waves include all forms of light – also infrared and ultraviolet, as well as radio waves, microwaves, X-rays and gamma rays.

See also electromagnetic radiation and electromagnetic spectrum.


Related category

   • ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM


Also on this site:

Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History





BACK TO TOP