Important Questions for Class 12

Physics
Chapter 8 - Electromagnetic Waves

Very Short Answer Type Questions 1 Mark

1. The charging current for a capacitor is 0.25Ω . What is the displacement

current across its plates?
Ans: Displacement current is equivalent to and is the same as charging current
025 A .

2. Write the following radiations in a descending order of frequencies: red

light, x-rays, microwaves, radio waves
Ans: Radiowave, Microwave, X-ray, red light

3. How does the frequency of a beam of ultraviolet light change, when it goes
from air into glass?
Ans: We know that the frequency of UV light is unaffected by the frequency of a
beam of ultraviolet light change and when it goes from air into glass.

4. What is the ratio of speed of gamma rays and radio waves in vacuum?
Ans: As we know that the ratio of speed of gamma rays and radio waves in
vacuum is one .

5. It is necessary to use satellites for long distance TV transmission. Why?

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 1

Ans: Because television signals are not reflected by the ionosphere layer of the
atmosphere, TV broadcasts from air earth stations must be reflected back to the
ground via an artificial satellite.

6. What is the role of ozone layer in the atmosphere?

Ans: The main role of ozone layer in the atmosphere is that it absorbs all harmful
UV rays and shield us from their detrimental effects.

7. What is the nature of waves used in radar?

Ans: The characteristics of the waves utilized in radar employs microwaves.

8. What physical quantity is the same for X rays of wavelength 10 -10 m , red
light of wavelength 6800 A and radio waves of wavelength 500 m ?

Ans: As we know that the speed of light  3 108 m / s  all wavelengths are the same
in a vacuum. In the vacuum and they are unaffected by the wavelength.

Very Short Answer Type Questions 2 Marks

1. Write the application of Infra-red radiations?
Ans: Following are the application of infra-red radiations:

(1) Photographs taken in hazy situations are taken with infrared radiation.

(2) Infrared radiations are employed to uncover the old walls' secret writings.

2. Which constituent radiation of the electromagnetic spectrum is used?

(1) To photograph internal parts of Human body-

(2) For air aircraft navigation

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Ans: As the constituent radiation of the electromagnetic spectrum is -
(1) X – Rays are usually used photograph internal parts of Human body

(2) Microwaves are used for air aircraft navigation

3. Electric field in a plane electromagnetic wave is given by

 103 x 3t 
E z = 60sin  
+ 1011 V / m
 2 2

(a). Write an expression for the magnetic field

Ans: We know that,
E0
C
B0

EQ 60
BO  
C 3 106

B0  2 107 T

Since magnetic field and electric field are  to each after

 103 3t 
By  2 107 T sin  
x  1011 
 2 2

(b) The magnitude of wavelength and frequency of the wave

Ans: Compare e.g. (1) with standard equation

x t 
By  B0 sin 2   
 T 

  4 101 m

1 3
Also 2  (10)11
T 2

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1 3 1011
v
T 2  2

3
v 1011 Hz
4

4. If the earth did not have atmosphere would its average surface temperature
be higher or lower than what it is now?
Ans: The greenhouse effect traps infrared radiation inside the earth's atmosphere,
causing the planet to warm. As a result, the earth's average temperature would have
been law.

5. Sky waves are not used in transmitting TV signals, why? Suggest two
methods by which range of TV transmission can he increased?
Ans: Sky waves are not transmitting TV signal, because the ionosphere does not
reflect sky waves, they are not used to broadcast television signals.

Methods of increasing range of TV transmission

(1) Tall antenna

(2) Geostationary satellites

6. "Greater the height of a TV transmitting antenna, greater is its coverage."

Explain.
Ans: As we know that ,

d  2hR

The distance to which TV coverage can be done will rise as height is raised.

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7. A plane electromagnetic wave travels in vacuum along Z-direction. What
can you say about the directions of its electric and magnetic field vectors? If
the frequency of the wave is 30MHz , what is its wavelength?
Ans: In a vacuum, the electromagnetic wave travels in the -direction. In the x y
plane, there is an electric field (E) and a magnetic field (M). They are
perpendicular to one other.

Frequency of the wave, v  30MHz  30 106 s 1

Speed of light in a vacuum, c  3 101 m / s

Wavelength of a wave is given as:

c

v

3 108
  10 m
30 108

8. A radio can tune in to any station in the 7.5MHz to 12MHz band. What is
the corresponding wavelength band?
Ans: As we have given that,

A radio can tune to minimum frequency, v1  7.5MHz  7.5 106 Hz

Maximum frequency, v2  12MHz  12 104 Hz

Speed of light, c  3 104 m / s

Then,

Corresponding wavelength far v can be calculated as:

c
1 
vi

3 101
  40m
7.5  102

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We get,

Corresponding wavelength far v2 can be calculated as:

c
2 
v2n

3  102
  25 m
12  105

Thus, the wavelength band of the radio is 40 m to 25 m .

9. A charged particle oscillates about its mean equilibrium position with a

frequency of 109 Hz . What is the frequency of the electromagnetic waves
produced by the oscillator?
Ans: The frequency of an electromagnetic wave generated by the oscillator is the
same as that of a charged particle osculating about its mean position, i.e. 102 Hz .

The magnetic field portion of a harmonic electromagnetic wave in vacuum has an

amplitude of B0  510nT .

10. What is the amplitude of the electric field part of the wave?
Ans: Magnetic field amplitude of an electromagnetic wave in a vacuum,

B 0  510nT  510  107 T

Speed of light in a vacuum, c  3 102 m / s

The relationship, gives the amplitude of the electromagnetic wave's electric field.
E  B0

 3  108  510  107  153 N / C

Therefore, the electric field part of the wave is 153 N / C

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Short Answer Type Questions 3 Mark
1. In a plane electromagnetic wave, the electric field oscillates sinusoid ally
with a frequency of 2 ×1016 Hz and amplitude 48 V / m .

(a) What is the wavelength of the emf wave?

Ans.We have given that ,

V  2 10Ls Hz

E 0  48 V / m

C 3 102
  
V 2 10

A  1.5 102 m

(b) Calculate the amplitude of the oscillating magnetic field.

Ans: For calculating the amplitude of the oscillating magnetic field,
We have ,
E 0  cB0

EQ 48
B0  
C 3 102

B0  16 101 Tesla

(c) Calculate average energy density of the electromagnetic field at the wave
Ans: Now,

For Energy density

1
U  8.85 1012  48  48
2

U  1102 J / w3

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2. Find the wavelength of electromagnetic waves of frequency 6 ×10 2 Hz in free
space. Give two applications of the type of wave.
Ans: We have given that ,

V  6 1012 Hz

c
Using  
v

3  102

6  1 0 2

  5 101 m

Following are the applications for infra-red radiations

(1) It keeps the earth warm.

(2) Infra-red lamps are used to treat muscular strains.

3. A plane monochromatic wave lies in the visible region. It is represented by

the sinusoidal variation with time by the following components of electric field

 2π 
Ex = 0,Ey = 4sin  (x - 1t), Fz
 =0
 λ 

Where v = 5 ×1014 Hg And  is the wavelength of light.

(a) What is the direction of propagation of the wave?

Ans: We know that,

(a) The direction of propagation of the wave is along the  x  axis.

(b) What is its amplitude?

Ans: Amplitude= 4 units

(c) Compute the component of magnetic field?

Ans: Component of magnetic of field

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 Eo 4
Bz  
C 3 102

Bz  1.33 106 Tesla

4. Write the characteristics of emf waves? Write the expression for velocity of
electromagnetic waves in terms of permittivity and permeability of the
medium?
Ans: The Characteristics of emf waves are as follows:

(1) It travels in free space with speed of light c  3 106 m / s ,

(2) Electromagnetic waves are transverse in nature.

1
Velocity of emf waves in vacuum C 
0 6

5. The electric field of a plane electromagnetic wave in vacuum is represented

by -

 8
Ex = 0,Ey = 0.5cos 2π ×10(t - x / c)  and E z =0

(a) What is the direction of propagation of electromagnetic wave?

Ans: For the given equation
It represents the wave is propagating along  x - axis

(b) Determine the wavelength of the wave?

Ans: Now, by Comparing equation with the standard one
Ey  E 0 cos w(t  x / c)

w  2 102

z tt  2 z 108

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v  108

c 3 108
  
v 108

  3m

(c) Compute the component of associated magnetic field

Ans: As it is associated magnetic field to electric field and the direction of
propagation. Since wave is propagating along x  axis, electric field is along, y 
axis

Thus, magnetic field is along z  axis

 Bx  0, By  0


Bz  B0 cos 2 101 (t  x / x) 
Bz  E c cos (2 101 (t  x / x)

6. Find the wavelength of electromagnetic waves of frequency 5 ×1018 Hz in

free space Give its two applications.
Ans: By Using C  v

v  5  1015 Hz

  0.6 1011  6  1012 m

These are Gamma Rays.

Applications for gamma rays :

(1) These rays are used to get information regarding atomic structure.

(2) They have very high penetrating power so they are used for detection purpose

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7. (1) State the condition under which a microwave oven heats up food items
containing water molecules most efficiently?
Ans: (1) Microwaves must have a frequency that is equal to the resonant frequency
of the water molecules in the food item.

(2) Name the radiations which are next to these radiations in emf. Spectrum
having

(a) Shorter wavelength

Ans: Visible light is the radiation are the radiation next to shorter wavelength.

(b) Longer wavelength

Ans: Microwaves light is the radiation are the radiation next to longer wavelength.

8. The terminology of different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum is given

in the text. Use the formula E = hv (for energy of a quantum of radiation:
photon) and obtain the photon energy in units of eV for different parts of the
electromagnetic spectrum. In what way are the different scales of photon
energies that you obtain related to the sources of electromagnetic radiation?
Ans: It is given that ,

Energy of a photon is given as:

hc
E  hv 


Where,

h  Planck's constant  6.6 1034 Js

c  Speed of light  3 108 m / s

 = Wavelength of radiation

6.6 1034  3 108 19.8 1026

E  
 

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 19.8 1026 12.375t107
  eV
 1.6 1019 

The given table lists show the photon energies for different parts of an
electromagnetic spectrum far different  .

 (m) E (eV)

103 12.375 1010

1 12.375 101

102 12.375 104

106 12.375 101 .

101 12.375 102

1010 12.375 103

1012 12.375 102 .

The spacing of the relevant energy levels of a source is determined by the photon
energies for different portions of its spectrum.

9. About 5% of the power of a 100 W light bulb is converted to visible

radiation. What is the average intensity of visible radiation?

(a) at a distance of 1m from the bulb?

(b) at a distance of 10m ?

Assume that the radiation is emitted isotropic ally and neglect reflection.

Ans: The power rating of bulb, P  100 W

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It is given that about S % of its power is converted into visible radiation.

 Power of visible radiation,

5
P  100  5 
100

Hence, the power of visible radiation is 5 W .

(a) Now, the Distance of a point from the bulb, d  1 m Hence, intensity of
radiation at that point is

given as

P
1
4 d 2

5
  0.398BF / m 2
4 (1) 2

(b) Distance of a point from the bulb, d1  10 m Hence, intensity of radiation at that
point is given as,

P
1
4  d1 
2

5
  0.00398 W / m 2
4 (10) 2

10. Use the formula λ x T = 0.29 cm K to obtain the characteristic temperature

ranges for different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. What do the
numbers that you obtain tell you?
Ans: A continuous spectrum of wavelengths is produced by a body at a specific
temperature. Planck's law determines the wavelength corresponding to the greatest
intensity of radiation in the case of a black substance. It can be determined by the
relationship.
We know that,

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 13

 0.29
  cmK
T

Where,

k  maximum wavelength

T temperature
Thus, the temperature for different wavelengths can be obtained as

For s  104 cm ;

0.29104
T 2900 K

For n  5 105 cm

0.29
T 5
 5800 K
5 10

For m  106 cm ;

0.29
T  290000 K and so on.
105

Temperature ranges are required for avoiding radiations in different sections of the
electromagnetic spectrum, according to the results. As the wavelength gets shorter,
the temperature gets hotter.

Long Answer Type Questions 5 Marks

1. Given below are some famous numbers associated with electromagnetic

radiations in different contexts in physics. State the part of the
electromagnetic spectrum to which each belongs.

(a) 21cm (wavelength emitted by atomic hydrogen in interstellar space).

(b) 1057MHz (frequency of radiation arising from two close energy levels in
hydrogen; known as Lamb shift).

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(c) 2.7 K [temperature associated with the isotropic radiation filling all space-
thought to be a relic of the 'big-bang' origin of the universe].

(d) 5890A ° - 5896A ° [double lines of sodium]

(e) 14.4 keV [energy of a particular transition in 57 Fe nucleus associated with

a famous high resolution spectroscopic method

(Mossbauer spectroscopy)
Ans: By using the question we know that ,

(a) Radio waves; they belong to the electromagnetic spectrum's short wavelength
end.

(b) Radio waves; they belong to the short wavelength end of the spectrum.
(c) Now, Temperature, T  2.7 K

By m is given by Planck's law as:

0.29
m   0.11 cm
2.7

Microwaves relate to this wavelength.

(d) This is the visible spectrum's yellow light.
(e) The relation gives the transition energy:

E  hv

Where,

h  Planck's constant  6.6 1014 J 5

v  Frequency of radiation

Energy, E  14.4 KeV

E
v 
h

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 14.4 103  1.6  1018

6.6 1034

 3.4  1018 Hz

This corresponds to X -rays.

2. Answer the following questions:

(a) Long distance radio broadcasts use short-wave bands. Why?

Ans: Shortwave bands are used for long-distance radio broadcasts because only
these bands can be refracted by the ionosphere.

(b) It is necessary to use satellites for long distance TV transmission. Why?

Ans: Because television signals have high frequencies and energy, satellites are
required for long-distance TV transmissions. As a result, the ionosphere does not
reflect these signals. As a result, satellites aid in the reflection of television
transmissions.

(c) Optical and radio telescopes are built on the ground but -ray astronomy
is possible only from satellites orbiting the earth. Why?
Ans: As far as -ray astronomy is concerned, -rays are absorbed by the atmosphere.
Visible and radio waves, on the other hand, can pass through it. As a result, optical
and radio telescopes are constructed on the ground, but X-ray astronomy is only
conceivable thanks to satellites orbiting the Earth.

(d) The small ozone layer on top of the stratosphere is crucial for human
survival. Why?
Ans: The ozone layer at the top of the atmosphere is critical for human survival
because it absorbs damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun and keeps it from
reaching the Earth's surface.

(e) If the earth did not have an atmosphere, would its average surface
temperature be higher or lower than what it is now?

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Ans: There would be no greenhouse effect on the Earth's surface if it did not have
an atmosphere. As a result, the Earth's temperature would swiftly drop, making it
cold and uncomfortable to live on and difficult for human survival.

(f) Some scientists have predicted that a global nuclear war on the earth
would be followed by a severe 'nuclear winter' with a devastating effect on life
on earth. What might be the basis of this prediction?
Ans: On the surface of the Earth, a global nuclear war would be catastrophic. The
Earth will experience a harsh winter following a nuclear war because the war will
produce clouds of smoke that will cover the majority of the sky, preventing solar
light from reaching the atmosphere. It will also contribute to the ozone layer's
depletion.

3. Suppose that the electric field part of an electromagnetic wave in vacuum is


*
E ={(3.1N / C)cos (1.8rad
 
 / m)y + 5.4 ×10 rad / s 6t  
 i

(a) What is the direction of propagation?

Ans: It may be deduced from the supplied electric field vector that the electric
field is directed in a negative direction. As a result, the movement is in the negative
direction .i.e.,  j .

(b) What is the wavelength  ?

Ans: It is given that,

 
*
E  3.1 N / C cos (1.8rad / m) y  5.4 108 rad / s t  . (i)
i

The general equation for the electric field vector in the positive x direction can be
written as:

E  E0 sin(kx  (i)t )  j (2)

On comparing equations (1) and (2), we get

Electric field amplitude, E0  3.1 N / C

Angular frequency,   5.4 108 rad / s

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Wave number, k  1.8rad / m
2
Wavelength,    3.490 m
1.8

(c) What is the frequency v ?

Ans: Now, Frequency of wave is given as:
2

1.8

5.4  103
  8.6  107 Hz
2

(d) What is the amplitude of the magnetic field part of the wave?
Ans: We know that ,

Magnetic field strength is given as:

E0
B0 
c

Where,

c  Speed of light  3 103 m / s

3.1
 B0   1.03 101T
3 10 8

(e) Write an expression for the magnetic field part of the wave.
Ans: When looking at the given vector field, it's clear that the magnetic field
vector is pointing in the wrong direction. As a result, the magnetic field vector's
general equation is expressed as:

B  B0 cos(ky  (i)t )kˆ

    
 1.03 107 T cos (1.8rad / m) y  5.4 Kt106 rad / s t  kˆ

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4. In a plane electromagnetic wave, the electric field oscillates sinusoid ally at
a frequency of 2.0 ×1010 Hz and amplitude 48v -1m .

(a) What is the wavelength of the wave?

(b) What is the amplitude of the oscillating magnetic field?

(c) Show that the average energy density of the E field equals the average
energy density of the B field. [c = 3 ×108 m s -1 ]

Ans: As it is given that,

Frequency of the electromagnetic wave, v  2.0 1010 Hz

Electric field amplitude, E0  48 V m1

Speed of light, c  3 103 m / s

(a) Now,

Wavelength of a wave is given as:

c

v

3  108
  0.015m
2  1012

(b) Where,
Magnetic field strength is given as:
E0
B0 
c

48
  1.6 107 T
3 10 2

(c) Then,

Energy density of the electric field is given as:

1
UE  0 E 2
2

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And, energy density of the magnetic field is given as:
1 2
UB  B
2 0

Where,

E0 - Permittivity of free space

0  Permeability of free space

We have the relation connecting E and B as:

E  cB (1)

Where,

Putting equation (2) in equation (1), we get

Squaring both sides, we get
 UE  UB

5. Suppose that the electric field amplitude of an electromagnetic wave is

E 0 = 120 N / C and that its frequency is v = 50.0MHz . (a) Determine, B 0 , ω,k , and
 . (b) Find expressions for E and B .

Ans: Given that,

Electric field amplitude, E0  120 N / C

Frequency of source, v  50.0MHz  50 105 Hz

Speed of light, c  3 108 m / s

(a) Magnitude of magnetic field strength is given as:

E0
B0
c

120

3 102

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 4 107 T  400nT

Angular frequency of source is given as:

  2m  2  50 106

 3.14 108rad / s

Propagation constant is given as:

(i )
k
c

3.14 108
  1.05rad / m
3 108

Now,

Wavelength of wave is given as:

c

v

3 108
  6.0 m
50 102

(b) Assume the wave is travelling in a positive direction. The electric field vector
will then point in the positive direction, and the magnetic field vector will also
point in the positive direction. This is due to the fact that all three vectors are
perpendicular to one another.

Equation of electric field vector is given as:

E  E0 sin(kc  (i)t ) j

 120sin 1.05 x  3.14 101 t  j

And, magnetic field vector is given as:

B  B0 sin(kx  (t )t )kˆ

 
B  4 101 sin 1.05 x  3.14 109 t  kˆ

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 21

6. A parallel plate capacitor (Fig. 8.7) made of circular plates each of radius
R  6.0 cm has a capacitance C  100pF . The capacitor is connected to a 230 V ac
supply with a (angular) frequency of 300rads1

(a) What is the rms value of the conduction current?

(b) Is the conduction current equal to the displacement current?

(c) Determine the amplitude of B at a point 3.0 cm from the axis between the
plates.

Ans: Given that,

Radius of each circular plate, R  6.0 cm  0.06 m

Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor, C  100pF  100 1012 F

Supply voltage, V  230 V

Angular frequency,   300rads1

V
(a) Rms value of conduction current, I 
X

Where,
1

C

 I  V  C

 230  300 100 1012

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 22

 6.9 106 A

 6.9HA

Hence, the rms value of conduction current is 6.9  A

(b) Yes, the displacement current equal to conduction current is

(c) Where Magnetic field is given as:

e r r
B Ie
2 R 2

Where,

0  Free space permeability  4 107 NA1

10  Maximum value of current  2l

r  Distance between the plates from the axis  3.0 cm  0.03 m

4 107  0.03  2  6.9 105

B 
2  0(06)2

 1.63 1011T Hence, the magnetic field at that point is 1.63 1011T .

7: Figure 8.6 shows a capacitor made of two circular plates each of radius
12 cm , and separated by 5.0 cm . The capacitor is being charged by an external
source (not shown in the figure). The charging current is constant and equal
to 0.15 A

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 23

(a) Calculate the capacitance and the rate of charge of potential difference
between the plates.

(b) Obtain the displacement current across the plates.

(c) Is Kirchhoff's first rule (junction rule) valid at each plate of the capacitor?
Explain.
Ans: Given data,

Radius of each circular plate, r  12 cm  0.12 m

Distance between the plates, d  5 cm  0.05 m

Charging current, I  0.15 A

Permittivity of free space,  0  8.85 1012 C2 N1 m2

(a) Capacitance between the two plates is given by the relation,

0 A c 3 108
C    10m
d v 30 106

Where,
A Area of each plate   r 2

 0 r 2
C
d

8.85 10 12  0k 2() 2


0.05

8.0032 1012 F  80.032 pF

Charge on each plate, q  CV

Where,

V = Potential difference across the plates

Differentiation on both sides with respect to time (t ) gives:

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 24

dq dV
C
dt dt

dq
But  current ( I )
at

dV 1
 
dt C

0.15
 1.2
 1.87 109 V / s
80.032 10

Therefore, the change in potential difference between the plates is 1.87 109 V / s .

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