Practice question
Question
What is the frequency of an electromagnetic wave with wavelength \( \lambda = 2 \, \text{cm} \) in
vacuum? (Given \( c = 3 \times 10^8 \, \text{m/s} \))
Explanation
**Relationship E and B** in EM wave E₀ = c B₀, B₀ = E₀/c, for vacuum. Fields sustain each other via Maxwell's equations ∇×E = -∂B/∂t, ∇×B = μ₀ ε₀ ∂E/∂t, time-varying E produces B and vice versa, self-sustaining propagation without medium, speed c. Using v λ = c , we have v = (c/λ) = (3 × 10⁸/2 × 10⁻²) = 1.5 × 10¹⁰ Hz . Using c = fλ, E₀/B₀ = c, I_d = ε₀ dΦ_E/dt, and spectrum classification λ = c/f, evaluation yields 1.5 × 10¹⁰ Hz, illustrating EM wave transverse nature and Maxwell's displacement current concept.
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