Electromagnetic waves are propagated by periodic variations of electric and magnetic fields and include radio waves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. An activity demonstrates that a magnetic field is produced around a coil of insulated copper wire when electric current passes through it, similar to how water waves are created by a disturbance in water. Electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light in vacuum, do not require a medium, are transverse waves, and have a wide range of frequencies that interact differently with matter.

1. Electromagnetic Radiation

2. For Example :-
Sound waves and
Radio waves

3. Definition of electromagnetic
wave. : one of the waves that
are propagated by
simultaneous periodic
variations of electric and
magnetic field intensity and
that include radio waves,
infrared, visible light,
ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma
rays.

4. Activity for
electromagnetic waves
Take about 30cm of insulated copper
wire. You can use the wire from an
old transformer or motor. You can
get it from mixer grinder repair shop
Wind it around a iron nail or pencil
stick. Pass current through the wire
from a single pen torch cell or
battery. A magnetic field is produced
around the coil.
From this activity you can conclude
that magnetic field is found around a
wire connecting electric current. Just
like you create disturbance in water
to produce waves, you can create
disturbance in electric and magnetic
field. Instead of direct current if
alternating current is passed through
the coil you can create disturbance in
the electric field and magnetic field.

5. Properties of electromagnetic Waves :-
• All the electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light
i.e. 3X10^8 m/s in vacuum.
• They do not need any material medium for their
propagation.
• Electromagnetic waves are three dimensional transverse
waves.
• Electromagnetic waves have wide range of frequencies
which react differently with matter.