Practice question
Question
In the context of electromagnetic waves, what physical characteristic distinguishes radio waves from
gamma rays?
Explanation
**Production of EM waves** requires accelerated charge, oscillating LC circuit produces changing E and B, antenna radiates when charge accelerates, frequency determined by L and C, f=1/(2π√(LC)). Hertz used spark gap with inductor and capacitor, produced ~10⁸ Hz radio waves, detected with loop, confirmed transverse nature, reflection, refraction, polarization, speed c. Radio waves and gamma rays differ primarily in their wavelengths (or frequencies), with radio waves having much longer wavelengths (lower frequencies) than gamma rays, which have very short wavelengths. Using c = fλ, E₀/B₀ = c, I_d = ε₀ dΦ_E/dt, and spectrum classification λ = c/f, evaluation yields Wavelength, illustrating EM wave transverse nature and Maxwell's displacement current concept.
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