Electromagnetic waves are a type of wave that can travel through empty space, which means they do not require a physical medium like air or water to propagate. This is one of the fundamental characteristics of electromagnetic waves and is a result of their interaction with electric and magnetic fields.
Electromagnetic waves are generated by accelerating electric charges or changing magnetic fields. When these charges or fields change, they create disturbances in the surrounding electric and magnetic fields, which in turn generate each other, forming a self-propagating wave.
The propagation of electromagnetic waves is governed by Maxwell's equations, which are a set of fundamental equations in electromagnetism. These equations describe how electric and magnetic fields are interrelated and how they propagate through space.
In the case of empty space, electromagnetic waves propagate through the mutual interaction of the electric and magnetic fields. The changing electric field generates a magnetic field, and the changing magnetic field generates an electric field. This continuous interplay between the electric and magnetic fields allows the wave to propagate without the need for a physical medium.
In essence, electromagnetic waves consist of self-sustaining oscillating electric and magnetic fields that can travel through empty space, carrying energy and information with them. Examples of electromagnetic waves include radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.