PHYSICS BOOKLET FOR JEE NEET & BOARDS

PHYSICS VISION

ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

1 INTRODUCTION
A changing electric field produces a changing magnetic field and vice versa which gives rise to a
transverse wave known as electromagnetic waves. The time varying electric field and magnetic field
mutually perpendicular to each other also perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
Thus the electromagnetic waves consist of sinusoidally time varying electric and magnetic field acting
at right angles to each other as well as at right angles to the direction of propagation.
Y
Ey

c
X
Bz
Z

2 HISTORY OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

• In the year 1865, Maxwell predicted the electromagnetic waves theoretically. According to him, an
accelerated charge sets up a magnetic field in its neighborhood.
• In 1887, Hertz produced and detected electromagnetic waves experimentally at wavelength of about
6m.
• Seven year later, J.C. Bose became successful in producing electromagnetic waves of wavelength in
the range 5mm to 25 mm.
• In 1896, Marconi discovered that if one of the spark gap terminals is connected to an antenna and the
other terminal is earthed, the electromagnetic waves radiated could go upto several kilometers.
• The antenna and the earth wires from the two plates of a capacitor which radiates radio frequency
waves. These waves could be received at a large distance by making use of an antenna earth system
as detector.
• Using these arrangements, in 1899 Marconi first established wireless communication across the
English channel i.e., across a distance of about 50 km.

3 CONCEPT OF DISPLACEMENT CURRENT

When a capacitor is allowed to charge in an electric circuit, the current flows through connecting
wires. As capacitor charges, charge accumulates on the two plates of capacitor and as a result, a
changing electric field is produced across between the two plate of the capacitor.
According to Maxwell changing electric field intensity is equivalent to a current through capacitor that
current is known as displacement current (I 0). If +q and –q be the charge on the left and right plates
of the capacitor respectively at any instant if  be the surface charge density of plate of capacitor the
electric field between the plate is given by
 q
E= =
0 0 A

+ –
E
+ –
I=Ic + – I=Ic
+ I=Id –
+ –
+ –
charge on the plates of the capacitor increased by dq in time dt then dq = I dt
change in electric field is
dq Idt dE I
dE = =  =
0 A 0 A dt 0 A

dE d d
I = 0A = 0 (EA ) = 0 E ( E = EA)
dt dt dt
d E
I d 0
dt
The conduction current is the current due to the flow of charges in a conductor and is denoted as I c
and displacement current is the current due to changing electric field between the plate of the
capacitor and denoted as Id so the total current I is sum of Ic and Id i.e. I = Ic + Id
Ampere's circuital law can be written as
    d E
 B.d = µ (I + I )   B.d = µ (I + 
0 c d 0 c 0
dt
)

Illustration 1: In a plane electromagnetic wave, the electric field oscillates sinusoidally at a

frequency 2  1010 Hz and amplitude 48 V/m. The amplitude of oscillating magnetic
field will be:
1
(A)  10 –8 Wb/m2 (B) 16  10–8 Wb/m2
16
1
(C) 12  10–7 Wb/m2 (D)  10 –7 Wb/m2
12
Solution: (B) Oscillating magnetic field
E 48
B=  = 16  10–8 Wb/m2
c 3  108
Illustration 2: A parallel plate capacitor of plate separation 2 mm is conncected in an electric
circuit having source voltage 400V. If the plate area is 60 cm2, then the value of
displacement current for 10–6 sec. will be:
(A) 1.062A (B) 1.062  10–2A
(C) 1.062  10 A
–3
(D) 1.062  10–4A
E EA 0 VA
Solution: (D) ID = 0  0 
t t dt
 8.85  10 –12  400  60  10 –4
or ID = = 1.062  10–4A
2  10–3  10 –6
Illustration 3: In an electric circuit, there is a capacitor of reactance 100  connected across the source
of 220V. The displacement current will be:
(A) 2.2A (B) 0.22A (C) 4.2A (D) 2.4A
Solution: (A) Displacement current and conduction current are equal.
E 220
 ID    2.2A
Z 100

4 MAXWELL’S EQUATIONS AND LORENTZ FORCE

The existence of electro-magnetic waves that propagate through the space in the form of varying electric
and magnetic fields has been predicted by the four basic laws of electromagnetism which are called
Maxwell's equations.
(i) Gauss's law in electrostatics% It states that the total electric flux through any closed surface is
1
equal to times the net charge enclosed by
0
Mathematically,
 
 E . ds = 
q
0

This equation is called Maxwell's first equation.

(ii) Gauss'law in magnetism% It states that the net magnetic flux crossing any closing surface is always
zero.
Mathematically,
 
 B . ds = 0
This equation is called Maxwell's second equation. A direct consequence of this equation is that the
magnetic monpoles do not exist.
(iii) Faradays's law of electromagnetic induction% It states that the induced emf produced in a circuit
is numerically equal to the rate of change of magnetic flux through it.
Mathematically,
dB
 
dt
  d
emf =  E . d =  B
dt
This equation is called Maxwell's third equation.
The negative sign in this equation indicates that the induced emf produced opposes the rate of
change of magnetic flux.
Illustration 4: A point source of electromagnetic radiation has an average power output of 800W.
The maximum value of electric field at a distance 3.5m from the source will be:
(A) 56.7 V/m (B) 62.6 V/m (C) 39.3 V/m (D) 47.5 V/m
Solution: (B) Intensity of electromagnetic wave given is by
Pav E2m
I 
4r 2 20c
0cPav
Em =
2r 2

=
 4  10   3  10   800
–7 8

= 62.6 V/m
2  3.52
Illustration 5: In the above problem, the maximum value of magnetic field will be:
(A) 2.09  10–5 T (B) 2.09  10–6 T
(C) 2.09  10 T
–7
(D) 2.09  10–7 T
Solution: (C) The maximum value of magnetic field is given by
Em 62.6
Bm  
c 3  108
= 2.09  10–7 T
(iv) Maxwell-Ampere circuital law% It states that the line integral of magnetic field along a closed path
is equal to 0 times the total current (i.e., sum of conduction and displacement currents threading
the surface bounded by that closed path)
Mathematically,
   d E 
 B.d = µ 0 I c  0 dt 
 
This equation is called Maxwell's fourth equation.
(v) Lorentz: The vector sum of electric force and magnetic force on any charged particle is called the
Lorentz force.
F = q[E + (v ´ B)]
The above five equations give a complete description of all electromagnetic interactions.
SUMMARY:
There are four maxwell's equation are given below
 
 E . ds = 
q
(1) Gauss law in electrostatics : ….(i)
0
 
(2) Guass law in magnetism :  B.ds = 0 …(ii)
(3) Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction :
  d B

emf = E . d = 
dt
…(iii)
(4) Maxwell - Ampere's circuital law :
   d 
 B . d = µ0 I c  0 E 
 dt 
….(iv)

5 HERTZ EXPERIMENT (PRACTICAL PRODUCTION OF EM WAVES)

• In 1888, Hertz demonstrated the production of electromagnetic waves by oscillating charge. His
experimental apparatus is shown schematically in figure.
Input

Induction
coil

Transmitter
q –q
Receiver

• An induction coil is connected to two spherical electrodes with a narrow gap between them. It acts
as a transmitter. The coil provides short voltage surges to the spheres making one positive and the
other negative. A spark is generated between the spheres when the voltage between them reaches
 the breakdown voltage for air. As the air in the gap is ionized, it conducts more rapidly and the
discharge between the spheres becomes oscillatory.
• The above experimental arrangement is equivalent to an LC circuit, where the inductance is that of
the loop and the capacitance is due to the spherical electrodes.
• Electromagnetic waves are radiated at very high frequency (  100 MHz) as a result of oscillation of
free charges in the loop.
• Hertz was able to detect these waves using a single loop of wire with its own spark gap (the receiver).
• Sparks were induced across the gap of the receiving electrodes when the frequency of the receiver
was adjusted to match that of the transmitter.

6 PRODUCTION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

(i) According to Maxwell, an accelerated charge sets up a magnetic field in its neighbourhood. The
magnetic field, in turn, produces an electric field in that region. Both these fields vary with time and
act as sources for each other.
(ii) As oscillating charge is accelerated continuously, it will radiate electromagnetic waves continuously.
(iii) In 1988, Hertz demonstrated the production of electromagnetic apparatus is shown schematically
in fig.
Input

Induction
coil

+ – Transmitter

Receiver

(iv) An induction coil is connected to two spherical electrodes with a narrow gap between them. It acts
as a transmitter. The coil provides short voltage surges to the spheres making one positive and the
other negative. A spark is generated between the spheres when the voltage between them reaches
the breakdown voltage for air. As the air in the gap is ionised, it conducts more rapidly and the
discharge between the spheres becomes oscillatory.
(v) The above experiment arrangment is equivalent to an LC circuit, where the inductance is that of the
loop and the capacitance is due to the spherical electrodes.
(vi) Electromagnetic waves are radiated at very high frequency(  100 MHz) as a result of oscillation of
free charges in the loop.
(vii) Hertz was able to detect these waves using a single loop of wire with its own spark gap (the
receiver).
(viii) Sparks were induced across the gap of the receiving electrodes when the frequency of the receiver
was adjusted to match that of the transmitter.
7 PROPERTIOES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
• The electric and magnetic fields satisfy the following wave equations, which can be obtained from
Maxwell's third and fourth equations.
2E 2E 2B 2B
= µ0 0 and = µ0 0
x 2 t 2 x 2 t 2
• Electromagnetic waves travel through vacuum with the speed of light c, where
1
c= = 3 × 108 m/s
µ00

• The electric and magnetic fields of an electromagnetic wave are perpendicular to each other and also
perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Hence, these are transverse waves.
 
• The instantaneous magnitudes of E and B in an electromagnetic wave are related by the expression
E
=c
B
• Electromagnetic waves carry energy. The rate of flow of energy crossing a unit area is described by
  1  
the Poynting vector S . Where S = EB.
µ0

• Electromagnetic waves carry momentum and hence can exert pressure (P) on surfaces, which is

known as radiation pressure. For an electromagnetic wave with Poynting vector S , incident upon a
S 2S
perfectly absorbing surface P = and if incident upon a perfectly reflecting surface P = .
c c
• The electric and magnetic fields of a sinusoidal plane electromagnetic wave propagating in the
positive x-direction can also be written as
E = Emsin(kx – t) and
B = Bmsin(kx – t)
where  is the angular frequency of the wave and k is wave number which are given by
2
 = 2f and k =

• The intensity of a sinusoidal plane electro-magnetic wave is defined as the average value of Poynting
vector taken over one cycle.
E m Bm E2 c 2
Sav = = m = Bm
2µ 0 2µ 0 c 2µ 0

• The fundamental sources of electromagnetic waves are accelerating electric charges. For examples
radio waves emitted by an antenna arise from the continuous oscillations (and hence acceleration) of
charges within the antenna structure.
• Electromagnetic waves obey the principle of superposition.
• The electric vector of an electromagnetic field is responsible for all optical effects, for this reason
electric vector is also called a light vector.
Illustration 6: In an electromagnetic wave, the amplitude of electric field is 1V/m. The frequency
of wave is 5  10–14 Hz. The wave is propagating along z-axis. The average energy
density of electric field, in Joule/m3, will be:
(A) 1.1  10–11 (B) 2.2  10–12 (C) 3.3  10–13 (D) 4.4  10–14
Solution: (B) Average energy density is given by
2
1 1 E  1
uE = 0E2  0  0   0E02
2 2  2 4
1
=  0.85  10  1
–12 2

4
= 2.2  10–12 J/m3

Illustration 7: To establish an instantaneous displacement current of 2A in the space between two

parallel plates of 1F capacitor, the potential difference across the capacitor plates
will have to be changed at the rate of:
(A) 4  104 V/s (B) 4  106 V/s
(C) 2  104 V/s (D) 2  106 V/s
dE d d V
Solution: (D) ID = 0  0 EA   0 A  
dt dt dt  d 
 AdV dV dV
;k ID = 0 C
d dt dt
dV ID 2
   –6  2  106 V / s
dt C 10

8 TRANSVERSE NATURE OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

Maxwell showed that a changing electric field produces a changing magnetic field and vice-versa.
This alternate production of time 'varying electric and magnetic fields gives rise to the propagation of
 
electromagnetic waves. The variation of electric field ( E ) and magnetic field ( B ) are mutually
perpendicular to each other as well as the direction of the propagation of the wave i.e., the
electromagnetic waves are transverse in nature.
Proof :
Consider a plane electromagnetic wave traveling along X-direction with its wave front in the Y-Z plane
and ABCD is its portion at time t. The values of electric field and magnetic field to the left of ABCD
will depend on x and t (and not on y and z as the wave under consideration is a plane wave
propagating in x direction.
Y
F B
A plane
E wavefront
C
O direction of
propagation
Z G D
According to Gauss' law, the total electric flux across the parallelopiped' ABCDOEFG is zero because it
does not enclose any charge,
  
i.e.  E . dS = 0

       
or 
ABCD
E . dS +
EFOG
 E . dS + 
ADGE
E . dS + 
BCOF
E . dS

   
+
OCDG
 E . dS +
FBAE
 E . dS = 0 ….(i)


since electric field E does not depend on y and z, so the contribution to the electric flux coming from
the faces normal to y and z axes cancel out in pairs.
   
i.e.,
OCDG
 E . dS +  E . dS = 0
FBAE
….(ii)

   
and
ADGE
 E . dS +  E . dS = 0 BCOF
…(iii)

Using equation (ii) and (iii) in equation (i), we get

   

ABCD
 E . dS +
EFOG
 E . dS = 0 …(iv)

Now
 

 E . dS =  E
ABCD ABCD
x . dS cos 0 = E
ABCD
x dS = E x  dS
ABCD

 
( E x is parallel to dS )
= Ex × area of face ABCD = ExS …(v)
 
and
EFOG
 E . dS =
EFOG
 E dScos180 º = E  dS
x x
EFOG

 
( E x is antiparallel to dS )
= Ex × area of face EFOG = ExS ….(vi)
where, Ex and Ex are the x-components of electric field on the faces ABCD and EFOG respectively.
Substituting the values of equations (v) and (vi) in equation (iv), we get
ExS – ExS = 0 or S(Ex – Ex) = 0
S0
 Ex – Ex = 0 or E x  E x

This equation shows that the value of the x-component of electric field does not change with time. In
other words, electric field along x-axis is static.

Since the static electric field cannot propagate the wave, hence the electric field parallel to the
direction of the propagation of the wave is zero.
i.e. Ex = Ex = 0
It means, electric field is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.
similarly, it can be proved that the magnetic field is perpendicular to the direction of the propagation
of the wave.
 Since both electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to the direction of the propagation of the
wave, so electromagnetic wave is transverse in nature.

9 IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

• When a capacitor is connected across the battery through the connecting wires there is flow of
conduction current, while through the gap between the plates of capacitor, there is flow of
displacement current.
• Maxwell's equation are mathematical formulation of Gauss's law in electrostatics (I) Gauss's law in
electromagnetism(II) faradays law of electromagnetic induction (III) and Ampere's circuital law (IV)
• Frequency of electromagnetic waves is its inherent characterstic when an electromagnetic wave
travels from one medium to another, its wavelength changes but frequency remains unchanged.
• Ozone layer absorbs the ultra-violet rays from the sun and these prevents them from producing
harmful effect on living organisms on the earth. Further it traps the infra-red rays and prevents them
from escaping the surface of earth. It helps to keeps the earth's at atmosphere warm.
Ex.1 In a plane electromagnetic wave, the electric field oscillates sinusoidally at a frequency of
2 × 1010 Hz and amplitude 48 V/m. The amplitude of oscillating magnetic field will be-
Sol. Oscillating magnetic field
E 48
B= = = 16 × 10–8 Wb/m2
c 3  10 8
Ex.2 In the above problem, the wavelength of the wave will be-
Sol. Wavelength of electromagnetic wave
c 3  10 8
= = = 1.5 × 10–2 = 1.5 cm
 2  10 10
Ex.3 A point source of electromagnetic radiation has an average power output of 800 W. The
maximum value of electric field at a distance 3.5 m from the source will be-
Sol. Intensity of electromagnetic wave given is by
Pav E2m
I= =
4r 2
2µ 0 c
µ 0 cPav (4 10 7 )  (3 10 8 )  800
Em = =
2r 2 2  35 2
= 62.6 V/m
Ex.4 In the above problem, the maximum value of magnetic field will be-
Em 62 .6
Sol. The maximum value of the magnetic field is given by Bm = = = 2.09 × 10–7 T
c 3  10 8

Ex.5 What should be the height of transmitting antenna if the T.V. telecast is to cover a radius of 128
km ?
Sol. Height of transmitting antenna
d2 (128 10 3 ) 2
h= = = 1280 m
2R e 2  6.4 10 6
Ex.6 The area to be covered for T.V. telecast is doubled, then the height of transmitting antenna (T.V
tower) will have to be-
Sol. The area of transmission of surrounding the T.V. tower A = d2 = (2hRe) A  h
Ex.7 In an electromagnetic wave, the amplitude of electric field is 1 V/m. The frequency of wave is 5 ×
1014 Hz. The wave is propagating along z-axis. The average energy density of electric field, in
Joule/m3, will be-
Sol.8 Average energy density is given by
2
1 1 E  1
uE = 0E2 = 0  0  = 0 E 02
2 2  2 4
1
= × 8.85 × 10–12 × (1)2 = 2.2 × 10–12 J/m2
4
Ex.8 A T.V. tower has a height of 100 m. How much population is covered by T.V. broadcast, if the
average population density around the tower is 1000/km2 ?
Sol. Radius of the area covered by T.V. telecast
d = 2hR e
Total population covered = d2 × population density = 2hRe × polulation density
1000
= 2 × 3.14 × 100 × 6.4 × 106 ×
10 6
= 39.503 × 105
Ex.9 An electromagnetic radiation has an energy 14.4 KeV. To which region of electromagnetic
spectrum does it belong ?
hc 6.6 10 34  3 10 8
Sol. = =
E 14.4 10 3 1.6 10 19
= 0.8 × 10–10m = 0.8 Å
This wavelength belongs to X-ray region.
10 VARIOUS PARTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
S. Radiatio Discover How Wavelengt Frequency Energy Properties Applicatio
No n produced h range range range n
.
1. -Rays Henry Due to 10–14 m to 3 × 10–22 Hz 107eV- (a) High (a) Gives
Becquere decay of 10–10 m to 3 × 1018 Hz 104eV penetrating information
l radioactive power on
and nuclei. (b) nuclear
Madam Uncharged structure
Cuire (c) Low (b) Medical
ionizing treatment
power etc
2. X-Rays Roentge Due to 6 × 10–12 m 5 × 1019 Hz 2.4×105 (a)Low (a) Medical
n collisions to 10–9 m to 3 × 1017 Hz eV penetrating diagnosis
of high to power and
energy 1.2×103e (b) other treatment
electrons V properties (b) Study of
with similar to - crystal
heavy rays structure
targets except (c)
wavelength Industrial
radiograph
y
3. Ultraviole Ritter By ionized 6 × 10–10 m 3 × 1017 Hz 2×103eV (a) All (a) To
t gases, to 3.8 × 10–7 to 5 × 1019 Hz to properties detect
Rays sun lamp m 3eV of light adulteratio
spark etc. (b) n,
Photoelectri writing and
c signature
effect (b)
Sterlization
of water
due to
its
destructive
action on
bacteria
4. Visible Newton Outer orbit 3.8 × 10–7 m 8 × 1014 Hz 3.2eV to (a) Sensitive (a)To see
light electron to 7.8 × 10–7 to 4 × 1014 Hz 1.6eV to objects
transitions m human eye (b) To study
Subparts in atoms, molecular
of gas structure
visible discharge 7.69×1014Hz
spectrum tube, to
(a) Violet incandescen 3.9 × 10–7 m 6.59×1014Hz
(b) Blue t solids to 4.55 × 10– 6.59×1014Hz
7
(c) Green and liquids m to
(d) Yellow 4.55 × 10–7 6.10×1014Hz
(e) m to 4.92 × 6.10×1014Hz
Orange 10–7 m to
(f) Red 4.92 × 10–7 5.20×1014Hz
m to 5.77 × 5.20×1014Hz
10–7 m to
5.77 × 10–7 5.03×1014Hz
m to 5.97 × 5.03×1014Hz
10–7 m to
5.97 × 10–7 4.82×1014Hz
m to 6.22 × 4.82×1014Hz
10–7 m to
6.22 × 10–7 3.84×1014Hz
m to 7.80 ×
10–7 m
S. Radiation Discove How Wavelengt Frequenc Energ Properties Application
No r produced h range y range y
. range
5. Infra-Red William (a) 7.8 × 10–7 m 4×1014Hz 1.6eV (a) (a) Used in
waves Herschel Rearrangemen to 10–3 m to to 10– Thermal industry,
l t 3×1011Hz 3
eV effect medicine and
of outer (b) All astronomy
orbital properties (b) Used for
electrons in similar to fog or
atoms those of haze
and molecules. light photography
(b) Change of except  (c) Elucidating
molecular molecular
vibrational structure
and rotational
energies
(c) By bodies
at
high
temperature
6. Microwave Hertz Special 10–3 to 0.3 3×1011Hz 10–3 eV (a) (a) Radar and
s electronic m to 109Hz to Phenomen teleco
devices such as 10–5 eV a of -mmunication.
klystron tube reflection, (b)Analysis of
refraction fine
and details of
diffraction molecular
structure
7. Radio Marconi Oscillating 0.3 to few 109Hz to 10–3 eV (a) Exhibit (a) Radio
waves circuits kms few Hz to  0 waves communicatio
like n
Subparts properties
of more than
Radio- particle
spectrum like
properties
(A) Super High Frequency 0.01 m to 3×1010Hz Radar, Radio and satellite
(a) SHF 0.1 m to communication
Ultra High Frequency 3×109Hz (Microwaves), Radar and
(b) UHF 0.1 m to 1 Television
Very High Frequency m 3×109Hz broadcast short distance
(c) VHF to communication,
(B) 1 m to 10 m 3×108Hz Television communication.

3×108Hz
to
3×107Hz

High Frequency 10m to 3×107Hz Medium distance

(HF) 100m to communication
Medium Frequency 3×106Hz Telephone communication,
(MF) 100m to Marine and
Low Frequency (LF) 1000 m 3×106Hz navigation use, long range
Very Low Frequency to communication. Long
(VLF) 1000 m to 3×105Hz distance
10000 m communication
10000 m to 3×105Hz
30000 m to
3×104Hz
3×104Hz
to 104Hz
11 EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE AND ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
(i) The gaseous envelop surrounding the earth is called earth's atmosphere.
(ii) It mainly consists of nitrogen 78% and oxygen 21% alongwith a little portion of argon, carbon-di-
oxide, water vapour, hydrocarbons, sulphur compounds and dust particles.
(iii) The density of atmospheric air goes on decreasing gradually as we go up.
(iv) The earth's atmosphere has no sharp boundary. However, it has been divided into various regions
as given below:
(a) Troposphere% It extends upto a height of 12 km from earths surface. The temperature in this
region decreases from 298K to 220K and conductivity increases. All climatic changes occur in this
region.
(b) Stratosphre% It extends from 12 km to 50 km after troposhpere. At the upper part of this region,
approximately 20km thick, most of ozone of atmosphere is concentrated. This layer is called as
ozone layer. This layer absorbs very large portion of ultraviolet radiations coming from sun,
therefore its temperature increases from 220K to 280K.
(c) Mesosphere% It extends from 50km to 80 km after stratosphere. In this region the temperature
decreases from 280K to 180K
(d) Ionosphere% It extends from 80 km to 400 km after mesosphere. The temperature of this region
rises from 180K to 700K. In this region ultraviolet radiation coming from sun cause ionisation,
therefore this part mostly consists of free electrons and positive ions. The concentration of free
electrons is found to be very large in a region beyond 110 km from earth's surface which extends
vertically for a few kilometers and is called Kennelly Heaviside layer. Beyond this layer the
concentration of free electrons decreases considerably until a height of about 250 km. Beyond it
there is another layer of electrons, called Appleton layer.
(v) Greenhouse effect% The atmosphere is transparent to visible radiations, but most ifrared (heat)
radiations are not allowed to pass through. The energy from the sun heats the earth which then
starts emitting radiations like any other hot body. However, since the earth is much colder than
sun, its radiations are mainly in the infra red region. These radiations are unable to cross the lower
atmosphere and are reflected back. Low lying clouds also reflect back the infra red radiations. As
such, the earth's surface warm at night. This phenomenon is called the Green house effect.
(vi) Propagation of Radio waves%
(a) Low frequency waves-the AM band% Radiowaves having wavelengths of 10m or more (frequency
less than 30 Mhz) are said to constitute the AM band. The lower atmosphere is transparent to
these waves, but the ionosphere reflects them back. A signal transmitted from a certain point can
be received at another point in two possible ways-directly along the surface of the earth (called sky
wave) and after reflection from ionosphere (called sky wave). Waves having frequencies upto about
1500kHz (Wavelength above 200m) are mainly transmitted through ground because low frequency
sky waves lose their energy very quickly than the sky waves. Therefore, higher frequencies are
mainly transmitted through sky. These two regions of the AM band are called medium wave and
short wave bands respectively.
(b) High frequency waves-Television transmission% Above a frequency of about 40MHz the
ionosphere does not reflect the wave toward the earth. The television signals have frequencies in
the range 100-200 MHz. Therefore TV transmission via the sky is not possible-only direct reception
via the ground is possible. Therefore, in order to have larger coverage, the transmission has to be
done through very tall antennas. The height of transmitting antenna for TV telecast is given by h =
d2
2R e
where d is the radius of the area to be covered for TV telecast and Re is the radius of earth.
Illustration 8: A T.V. tower has a height of 100m. How much population is covered by T.V.
broadcast, if the average population density around the tower is 1000/km2?
(A) 39.5  105 (B) 19.5  106
(C) 29.5  107
(D) 9  104
Solution: (A) Radius of the area covered by T.V. telecast
d= 2hRe
Total population covered ¾ d2  population density
= 2hRe  population density
1000
= 2  3.14  100  6.4  106 
10 6
= 39.503  105

Illustration 9: An electromagnetic radiation has an energy 14.4 Kev. To which region of

electromagnetic spectrum does it belong?
(A) Infra red region (B) Visible region
(C) X-ray region (D) -ray region
hc 6.6  10 –34  3  108
Solustion: (C)  = 
E 14.4  103  1.6  10 –19
This wavelength belongs to X-ray region.
Hence the correct answer will be(C)
 SOLVED ASSIGNMENT

1. If E and B are the electric and magnetic field vectors of electromagnetic waves then the direction
of propagation of electromagnetic wave is along the direction of:
(A) E (B) B (C) EB (D) None of these
Sol. (C)

2. The charge on a parallel plate capacitor is varying as q = q 0 sin 2nt The plates are very large and
close together. Neglecting the edge effects, the displacement current through the capacitor is:
q q0
(A) (B) sin2nt (C) 2nq0 cosnt (D)
0 A 0
2nq0
cos2nt
0
dq d
Sol. (C) ID =  q0sin2nt = 2nq0 cos2q0 cos2nt
dt dt

3. The value of magnetic field between plates of capacitor, at distance of 1m from centre where
electric field varies by 1010 V/m/s will be:
(A) 5.56T (B) 5.56T (C) 5.56mT (D) 55.6nT
00r dE 1
Sol. (D) B =   1010  5.56  10–8 T
2 dt 2  9  1016

4. The electromagnetic waves do not transport:

(A) Energy (B) charge (C) momentum (D) information
Sol. (B)

5. A capacitor is connected in an electric circuit. When key is pressed, the current in the circuit is:
(A) Zero (B) Maximum
(C) any transient value (D) depends on capacitor used
Sol. (B)

6. Displacement current is continuous:

(A) when electric field is changing in the circuit
(B) when magnetic field is changing in the circuit
(C) in both types of fields
(D) through wires and resistance only
Sol. (A)

7. Instantaneous displacement current 1A in the space betwen the parallel plates of 1F capacitor
can be established by chaning the potential difference at the rate of:
(A) 0.1 V/s (B) 1 V/s (C) 106 V/s (D) 10–6 V/s
dq dv dv ID 1
Sol. (C) ID = C or   –6 = 106 V/s
dt dt dt C 10

8. The magnetic field between the plates of a capacitor when r > R is given by:
0IDr 0ID 0ID
(A) (B) (C) (D) 'kwU;
2R2 2R 2r
0ID
Sol. (C) According to Ampere's law, when r > R B =
2r
 0Ir
9. The magnetic field between the plates of a capacitor is given by B = :
2R2
(A) rR (B) rR (C) r<R (D) r=R
0IDr
Sol. (C) According to Ampere's law, when r > R B =
2R2

10. The conduction current is the same as displacement current when the source is:
(A) A.C. only (B) D.C. only
(C) Both A.C. and D.C. (D) neither for A.C. nor for D.C.
Sol. (B)

11. The wave function (in S.I. units) for an electromagnetic wave is given as:
 (x, t) = 103 sin (3  106x – 9 – 1014t)
The speed of the wave as:
(A) 9  1014 m/s (B) 3  108 m/s
(C) 3  10 m/s
16
(D) 3  107 m/s
 9  1014
Sol. (B) c =  = 3  108 m/s
k 3  10 6

12. In the above problem, wavelength of the wave is:

(A) 666 nm (B) 666 A (C) 666m (D) 6.66 nm
(A)   x,t   10 sin3  10  (x – 3  108 t)
3 6
Sol.
Comparing it with
2
  x,t  = asin (x – vt)

2
 = 3  106

2  109
or  = = 666 nm
3  106

13. The Maxwell's four equations are written as:

q0
(i)  E.ds   0

(ii)  B.ds  0
d
(iii)  E.dl  dt  B.ds
d
(iv)  B.ds    0 0
dt 
E.ds

The equations which have sources of E and B

(A) (i), (ii), (iii) (B) (i), (ii) (C) (i) and (iii)a (D) (i) and (iv)
Sol. (D)

14. Out of the above four equations which do not contain source field are:
(A) (i) and (ii) (B) (ii) only (C) all of four (D) (iii) only
Sol. (B)
15. Out of four Maxwell's equations above, which one shows non-existence of monopoles?
(A) (i) and (iv) (B) (ii) only (C) (iii) only (D) only
Sol. (B)

16. Which of the above Maxwell's equations shows that electric field lines do not form closed loops?
(A) (i) only (B) (ii) only (C) (iii) only (D) (iv) only
Sol. (A)

17. In an electromagnetic wave the average energy density is associated with:

(A) electric field only
(B) magnetic field only
(C) equally with electric and magnetic fields
(D) average energy density is zero
Sol. (C)

18. In an electromagnetic wave the average energy density associated with magnetic field will be:
1 2 B2 1 1 q
(A) LI (B) (C)  0B2 (D)
2 2 0 2 2 B2
Sol. (B)

19. In the above problem, the energy density associated with the electric field will be:
1 1 q2 1 2 1
(A) CV 2 (B) (C) (D)  0E 2
2 2C 2E 2
Sol.% (D)

20. If there were no atmospher, the average temperature on earth surface would be:
(A) Lower (B) Higher (C) same (D) 0oC
Sol. (A) The green house effect would not have been possible without atmosphere. Hence
temperature would be lower.

21. In which part of earth's atmosphere is the ozone layer present?

(A) Troposphere (B) Stratosphere (C) Ionosphere (D) Mesosphere
Sol. (B)

22. Kenneley's Heaviside layer lies between:

(A) 50Km to 80 Km (B) 80Km to 400 Km
(C) beyond 110 Km (D) beyond 250 Km
Sol. (C)

23. The ozone layer in earth's atmosphere is crucial for human survival because it:
(A) has ions (B) reflects radio signals
(C) reflects ultraviolet ray (D) reflects infra red rays
Sol. (C)

24. The frequency from 3  109 Hz to 3 1010 Hz:

(A) High frequency band (B) Super high frequency band
(C) Ultra high frequency band (D) High frequency band
Sol. (B)
25. The frequency from 3 to MHz is known as:
(A) Audio band (B) Medium frequency band
(C) Very high frequency band (D) High frequency band
Sol. (B)

26. The AM range of radiowaves have frequency:

(A) less than 30 MHz (B) More than 30 MHz
(C) less than 20000 Hz (D) More than 20000 Hz
Sol. (A)

27. The displacement current flows in the dielectric of a capacitor

(A) becomes zero (B) has assumed a constant value
(C) is increasing with time (D) is decreasing with time
Sol. (C)

28. Select wrong statement from the following Electromagnetic waves:

(A) are transverse (B) travel with same speed in all media
(C) travel with the speed of light (D) are produced by acceleration charge
Sol. (B)

29. The waves related to tele-communication are:

(A) infra red (B) visible light
(C) microwaves (D) ultraviolet rays
Sol. (C)

30. Electromagnetic waves do not transport:

(A) energy (B) charge
(C) momentum (D) information
Sol. (A)

31. The nature of electromagnetic wave is:

(A) longitudinal (B) longitudinal stationary
(C) transverse (D) transverse stationary
Sol. (C)

32. Greenhouse effect keeps the earth surface:

(A) cold at night (B) dusty and cold
(C) warm at night (D) moist
Sol. (C)

33. A parallel plate capacitor consists of two circular plates each of radius 12 cm and separated by 5.0
mm. The capacitor is being charged by an external source. The charging is being charged and is
equal to 0.15 A. The rate of change of potential difference between the plates will be:
(A) 8.173  107 V/s (B) 7.817  108 V/s
(C) 1.873  10 V/s
9
(D) 3.781  1010 V/s
dV I I
Sol. (C)   d
dt C 0 A
0.15  5  10 –3
=
8.85  10 –12  3.14  0.0144
= 1.873  109 V/s
34. In the above problem, the displacement current is:
(A) 15A (B) 1.5A (C) 0.15A (D) 0.015A
Sol. (C) ID = IC = 0.15A

35. The wave emitted by any atom or molecule must have some finite total length which is known as
the coherence length. For sodium light, this length is 2.4cm. The number of oscillations in this
length will be:
(A) 4.068  105 (B) 4.068  106 (C) 4.068  107 (D) 4.068  108
Sol. (B) No. of oscillations in coherence length
l 0.024
=   4.068  106 Hz
 5.9  10 –7

36. In the above problem, the coherence time will be:

(A) 8  10–8s (B) 8  10–9s (C) 8  10–10s (D) 8  10–11s
l 0.024
Sol. (D) The coherence time t =   8  10 –11 ls-
c 3  10 8

37. A parallel plate capacitor made to circular plates each of radius R = 6cm has capacitance C =
100pF. The capacitance is connected to a 230V A.C. supply with an angular frequency of 300
rad/s. The r.m.s. value of conduction current will be:
(A) 5.7a (B) 6.3A (C) 9.6A (D) 6.9A
ERMS
Sol. (D) IRMS = = CERMS
XC
= 300  10–10  230 = 6.9A

38. In the above problem, the displacement current will be:

(A) 6.9A (B) 9.6A (C) 6.3A (D) 5.7A
Sol. (A) ID = IC = 6.9A

39. In Q. 37, the value of B at a point 3 cm from the axis between the plates will be:
(A) 1.63  10–8T (B) 1.63  10–9T (C) 1.63  10–10T (D) 1.63  10–11T
0 ID peak r
Sol. (D) B0 =
2R2
2  10 –7  2  6.9  10 –6
=
2  3.14  36  10 4
= 1.63  10–11T

40. A plane electromagnetic wave of frequency 40 MHz travels in free space in the X-direction. At
some point and at some instant, the electric field E has its maximum value of 750 N/C in Y-
direction. The wavelength of the wave is:
(A) 3.5 m (B) 5.5 m (C) 7.5 m (D) 9.5 m
C 3  108
Sol. (C)     7.5m
f 4  107

41. In the above problem, the period of the wave will be:
(A) 2.5 s (B) 0.25 s (C) 0.025 s (D) None of these
1 1
Sol. (C) T = = = 0.025s
f 4  107
42. In Q. 40, the magnitude and direction of magnetic field will be:
(A) 2.5 T in X-direction (B) 2.5 T in Y-direction
(C) 2.5 T Z-direction (D) none of these
Sol. (C) Bm = Em 750 8 = 2.5T Z-directiona
C 3  10
43. In Q. 40, the angular frequency of e.m.f. wave will be:(in rad/s)
(A) 8  107 (B) 4  106 (C) 4  105 (D) 8  104
Sol. (A)  = 2f = 2    4 10 = 8  107 rad/s.

44. In Q. 40, the propagation constant of the wave will be:

(A) 8.38m–1 (B) 0.838m–1 (C) 4.19m–1 (D) 0.419m–1
2 2  3.14
Sol. (B) K =   0.838 m–1
 7.5
45. The sun deliverse 103 W/m2 of electromagnetic flux to the earth's surface. The total power that is
incident on a roof of dimensions 8m  20m, will be:
(A) 6.4  103W (B) 3.4  104W (C) 1.6  105W (D) None of these
Sol. (C) power P = 5A = 10  8  20 = 1.6  10 W
3 5

46. In the above problem, the radiation force on the

(A) 3.33  10–5N (B) 5.33  10–4 N (C) 7.33  10–3 N (D) None of thesea
(B) F = PA = F  PA  SA  1.6  108  5.33  104
5
Sol.
c 3  10

47. In Q. 45, the solar energy incident on the roof in 1 hour will be:
(A) 5.76  108J (B) 5.76  107J (C) 5.76  106J (D) 5.76  105J
Sol. (A) E = power  time
= 1.6  105  3600 = 5.76  108J

48. The sun radiates electromagnetic energy at the rate of 3.9  1026W. Its radius is 6.96  108m. The
intensity of sun light at the solar surface will be:
(A) 1.4  104 (B) 2.8  105 (C) 4.2  106 (D) 5.6  107
P 3.9  1026
Sol. (D) Isurface = = = 5.6 107 W/m2
A 4  3.14   6.96   10
2 16

49. In the above problem, if the distance from the sun to the earth is 1.5  1011 m, then the intensity
of sunlight on earth's surface will be-(in W/m2)
(A) 1.38  103 (B) 2.76  104 (C) 5.52  105 (D) buesa ls dksbZ
ugha
P 3.9  1026 = 1.38  103 W/m2
Sol. (A) Iearth = 
4r 2
4  3.14  2.25  10 22

50. A laser beam can be focussed on an area equal to the square of its wavelength. A He-Ne laser
radiates energy at the rate of 1nW and its wavelength is 632.8 nm. The intensity of focussed
beam will be:
(A) 1.5  1013 W/m2 (B) 2.5  109 W/m2
(C) 3.5  1017 W/m2 (D) None of these
Sol. (B) Area through which the energy of beam passes
= (6.328  10–7)2 = 4  10–13 m2
I= P  10 –3 = 2.5  109 W/m2
A 4  10 –13
51. A flood light is covered with a filter that transmits red light. The electric field of the emerging
beam is represented by a sinusoidal plane wave:
Ex = 36sin (1.20  107z – 3.6  1015t) V/m
The average intensity of the beam will be:
(A) 0.86 W/m2 (B) 1.72 W/m2 (C) 3.44 W/m2 (D) 6.88 W/m2
c0E02 3  108  8.85  10–12  362
Sol. (B) Iav = = = 1.72 W/m2
2 2

52. An electric field of 300 V/m is confined to a circular area 10 cm in diameter. If the field is
increasing at the rate of 20 V/m-s, the magnitude of magnetic field at a poit 15cm from the
centre of the circle will be:
(A) 1.85  10–15 T (B) 1.85  10–16 T
(C) 1.85  10 T–17
(D) 1.85  10–18 T
00  d2  dE
Sol. (D) B =  
2R  4  dt
2  10–7  8.85  10–12  3.14  0.01 .20
= = 1.85  10–18T
4  0.15

53. A lamp emits monochromatic green light uniformly in all directions. The lamp is 3% efficient in
converting electrical power to electromagnetic waves and consumes 100W of power. The
amplitude of the electric field associated with the electromagnetic radiation at a distance of 10m
from the lamp will be:
(A) 1.34 V/m (B) 2.68 V/m (C) 5.36 V/m (D) 9.37 V/m
P 1
Sol. (A) Sav =  0cE02
4R 2
2
P
 E0
2R20c
3
=
2  3.14  100  8.85  10–12  3  108
= 1.34 V/m

54. A plane electromagnetic wave of wave intensity 6W/m2 strikes a small mirror of area 40 cm2, held
perpendicular to the approaching wave. The momentum transferred by the wave to the mirror
each second will be:
(A) 6.4  10–7 kg–m/s (B) 4.8  10–8 kg–m/s
(C) 3.2  10 kg–m/s
–9
(D) 1.6  10–10 kg–m/s
Sol. (D) In one second
2U 2Sav A 2  6  40  10 –4
P=  
c c 3  108
= 1.6  10–10 Kg-m/s

55. In the above problem, the radiation force on the mirror will be:
(A) 6.4  10–7 N (B) 4.8  10–8 N
(C) 3.2  10 N
–9
(D) 1.6  10–10 N
Sol. (D)  Momentum per sec is force
 F = 1.6  10–10 Newton
56. In the above problem, the wavelength of the wave will be:
(A) 1.5m (B) 66.6m (C) 1.5cm (D) 66.6cm
Sol. (C) Wavelength of electromagnetic wave
c 3  108
   1.5  10 –2 = 1.5 cm
v 2  1010

Hence correct answer will be (C)

57. In Q. 5, the energy density at a distance 3.5m from the source will be_ (in joule/m 3)
(A) 1.73  10–5 (B) 1.73  10–6 (C) 1.73  10–7 (D) 1.73  10–8
Sol. (D) Energy density at 3.5m is given by
1
u 0Em2
2
1
 8.85  10 –12   62.6 
2
=
2
= 1.73  10–8
Hence the correct answer will be(D)

58. A 100 pF capacitor is connected to a 230V, 50 Hz A.C. source. The r.m.s. value of conduction
current will be:
(A) 7.2  10–6A (B) 3.6  10–5A (C) 1.8  10–4A (D) 0.9  10–3A
Sol. (A) The r.m.s. value of conduction current
V V
I   2nCV
Z 1
2nC
or I = 2  3.14  50  100  10–12  230
= 7.2  10–6 A
Hence the correct answer will be(A)

59. What should be the height of transmitting antenna if the T.V. telecast is to cover a radius of 128
km?
(A) 1560m (B) 1280m (C) 1050m (D) 79m
Sol. (B) Height of transmitting antenna
 
2
d2 128  103
h=   1280m
2Re 2  6.4  106
Hence the correct answer will be(B)

60. The area to be covered for T.V. telecast is doubled, then the height of transmitting antena (T.V.
tower) will have to be:
(A) doubled (B) halved (C) quardupled (D) kept unchanged
Sol. (A)The area of transmission surrounding the T.V. tower
A = d2 = (2hRe)
A h
Hence the correct answer will be(A)
 IMPORTANT PRACTICE QUESTION SERIES FOR IIT-JEE EXAM
 
Q.1 If E and B are the electric and magnetic field vectors of electromagnetic waves then the
direction of propagation of electromagnetic wave is along the direction of-
 
(1) E (2) B
 
(3) E  B (4) none of these

Q.2 The electromagnetic waves do not transport-

(1) energy
(2) charge
(3) momentum
(4) information

Q.3 The wave function (in S.I. units) for an electromagnetic wave is given as-
(x,t) = 103 sin(3 × 106x –9 × 1014t). The speed of the wave is-
(1) 9 × 1014 m/s
(2) 3 × 108 m/s
(3) 3 × 106 m/s
(4) 3 × 107 m/s

Q.4 In the above problem, wavelength of the wave is-

(1) 666 nm (2) 666 Å
(3) 666 µm (4) 6.66 nm

Q.5 In an electromagnetic wave the average energy density is associated with-

(1) electric field only
(2) magnetic field only
(3) equally with electric and magnetic fields
(4) average energy density is zero

Q.6 In an electromagnetic wave the average energy density associated with magnetic field will be-
1 2
(1) LI
2
B2
(2)
2µ 0
1
(3) µ0 B2
2
1 µ0
(4)
2 B2
Q.7 In the above problem, the energy density associated with the electric field will be-
1
(1) CV 2
2
1 q2
(2)
2 C
1 2
(3)
2 E
1
(4)  0 E 2
2
Q.8 In which part of earth's atmosphere is the ozone layer present ?
(1) troposphere
(2) stratosphere
(3) ionosphere
(4) mesosphere

Q.9 The ozone layer is earth's atmosphere is crucial for human survival because it-
(1) hions
(2) reflects radio signals
(3) reflects ultraviolet rays
(4) reflects infra red rays

Q.10 The frequency from 3 × 109 Hz to 3 × 1010 Hz is-

(1) high frequency band
(2) super high frequency band
(3) ultra high frequency band
(4) very high frequency band

Q.11 The frequency from 3 to 30 MHz is known as-

(1) audio band
(2) medium frequency band
(3) very high frequency band
(4) high frequency band

Q.12 The AM range of radiowaves have frequency-

(1) less than 30 MHz
(2) more than 30 MHz
(3) less than 20000 Hz
(4) more than 20000 Hz

Q.13 Select wrong statement from the following for EMW-

(1) are transverse
(2) travel with same speed in all medium
(3) travel with the speed of light
(4) are produced by accelerating charge

Q.14 The waves related to tele-communication are-

(1) infrared
(2) visible light
(3) microwaves
(4) ultraviolet rays

Q.15 The nature of electromagnetic wave is-

(1) longitudinal
(2) longitudinal stationary
(3) transverse
(4) transverse stationary

Q.16 Greenhouse effect keeps the earth surface-

(1) cold at night
(2) dusty and cold
(3) warm at night
(4) moist
Q.17 A plane electromagnetic wave of frequency 40 MHz travels in free space in the X-direction. At

some point and at some instant, the electric field E has its maximum value of 750 N/C in Y-
direction. The wavelength of the wave is-
(1) 3.5 m (2) 5.5 m
(3) 7.5 m (4) 9.5 m

Q.18 In the above problem, the period of the wave will be-
(1) 2.5 µs
(2) 0.25 µs
(3) 0.025 µs
(4) none of these

Q.19 In Q.18, the magnitude and direction of magnetic field will be-
(1) 2.5 µT in X-direction
(2) 2.5 µT in Y-direction
(3) 2.5 µT in Z-direction
(4) none of these

Q.20 In Q.17, the angular frequency of e.m wave will be-(in rad/s)
(1) 8 × 107
(2) 4 × 107
(3) 2 × 105
(4)  × 104

Q.21 In Q.17, the propagation constant of the wave will be-

(1) 8.38 m–1
(2) 0.838 m–1
(3) 4.19 m–1
(4) 0.419 m–1

Q.22 The sun delivers 103 W/m2 of electromagnetic flux to the earth's surface. The total power that is
incident on a roof of dimensions 8m × 20m, will be-
(1) 6.4 × 103 W
(2) 3.4 × 104 W
(3) 1.6 × 105 W
(4) none of these

Q.23 In the above problem, the radiation force on the roof will be-
(1) 3.33 × 10–5 N
(2) 5.33 × 10–4 N
(3) 7.33 × 10–3 N
(4) 9.33 × 10–2 N

Q.24 In Q.22, the solar energy incident on the roof in 1 hour will be-
(1) 5.76 × 108 J
(2) 5.76 × 107 J
(3) 5.76 × 106 J
(4) 5.76 × 105 J
Q.25 The sun radiates electromagnetic energy at the rate of 3.9 × 1026 W. It's radius is 6.96 × 108 m.
The intensity of sun light at the solar surface will be – (in W/m2)
(1) 1.4 × 104
(2) 2.8 × 105
(3) 4.2 × 106
(4) 5.6 × 107

Q.26 In the above problem, if the distance from the sun to the earth is 1.5 × 10 11 m, then the intensity
of sunlight on earth's surface will be- (in W/m2)
(1) 1.38 × 103
(2) 2.76 × 104
(3) 5.52 × 105
(4) none of these

Q.27 The decreasing order of wavelength of infrared, microwave, ultraviolet and gamma rays is :
(1) infrared, microwave, ultraviolet, gamma rays
(2) microwave, infrared, ultraviolet, gamma rays
(3) gamma rays, ultraviolet, infrared, microwaves
(4) microwaves, gamma rays, infrared, ultraviolet
 IMPORTANT PRACTICE QUESTION SERIES FOR IIT-JEE EXAM (ANSWERS)

Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 3 2 2 1 3 2 4 2 3 2 2 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 1
Q.No. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Ans. 2 3 2 1 4 1 2