All electromagnetic waves share several fundamental properties:
They are transverse waves: Electromagnetic waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of their propagation. This means that the electric and magnetic fields of the wave are oriented at right angles to the direction in which the wave is traveling.
They do not require a medium: Unlike mechanical waves such as sound waves, electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum. They can propagate through empty space as well as through various media, including air, water, and solids.
They travel at the speed of light: All electromagnetic waves, regardless of their frequency or wavelength, travel at the same speed in a vacuum, which is approximately 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second (denoted as 'c'). This universal speed of light is a fundamental constant in physics.
They exhibit wave-particle duality: Electromagnetic waves display both wave-like and particle-like behavior. As waves, they can undergo interference, diffraction, and polarization. As particles, they are composed of discrete packets of energy called photons.
They have a wide range of frequencies and wavelengths: Electromagnetic waves span a vast range of frequencies and wavelengths, collectively known as the electromagnetic spectrum. This spectrum includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Each region of the spectrum corresponds to different frequencies, wavelengths, and energies.
They can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted: Electromagnetic waves interact with matter in various ways. When they encounter a material, they can be absorbed, transferring their energy to the material. They can also be reflected, bouncing off the surface of an object. Additionally, they can be transmitted through certain materials, passing through them with little or no interaction.
These shared properties of electromagnetic waves underlie their diverse applications in communication, technology, medicine, astronomy, and many other fields.