Visualise an electromagnetic wave in 3D

Direct answer

Watch the electric and magnetic fields of a light wave in 3D and see how frequency and B₀ follow from λ and E₀.

E and B oscillate in phase, at right angles to each other and to the direction of travel. Rotate the view to see the two planes.

Simulation

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Electromagnetic Wave in 3D

EM waves

Wavelength (nm) 550 nm

E₀ (V/m) 60 V/m

Drag to rotate, two fingers or right-drag to pan, scroll or pinch to zoom. The toolbar has views, cutaway, measure and “show the maths”.

What's happening? E and B oscillate in phase, at right angles to each other and to the direction of travel. Rotate the view to see the two planes.

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Where it is in NCERT: Class 12 Physics Part I, “Electromagnetic Waves” (Displacement Current, Electromagnetic Waves, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Sources of Electromagnetic Waves) · ncert.nic.in
Topic notes and formulas: Electromagnetic Waves
Printable formula sheet
Chapter-wise JEE Main PYQs (8)