An electromagnetic wave is travelling in free space.

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Waves · Waves

Problem

An electromagnetic wave is travelling in free space. (i) Define the terms (a) time period and (b) frequency of a wave. (ii) Explain, without using numerical values, how the wavelength of such a wave is related to its speed and its frequency. (iii) The electric field of the wave may be written in the form E(x,t)=E0sin⁡(kx−ωt)E(x,t)=E_{0}\sin(kx-\omega t). State what physical quantities kk and ω\omega represent and explain how each of them is connected to a measurable spatial or temporal property of the wave.

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