Why does the speed of electromagnetic waves in a medium depend on the medium’s properties?
**Hertz experiment** used induction coil connected to two rods with gap, spark produced oscillating charge, emitted EM wave, received by loop with gap sparking when E induced, measured wavelength by standing wave, demonstrated EM wave properties, validating Maxwell. The speed of electromagnetic waves in a medium is determined by the medium’s permittivity ( ε ) and permeability ( μ ), as v = (1/√(μ ε)) , which modifies the wave’s propagation characteristics. Using c = fλ, E₀/B₀ = c, I_d = ε₀ dΦ_E/dt, and spectrum classification λ = c/f, evaluation yields Dependence on permittivity and permeability, illustrating EM wave transverse nature and Maxwell's displacement current concept.
Ref: NCERT > Physics Book > Electromagnetic Waves > Production of EM Waves and Hertz Experiment