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All questions of Electromagnetic Waves for ACT Exam

Which region in the electromagnetic spectrum will have the highest speed?
  • a)
    Radio
  • b)
    Visible
  • c)
    All the regions have same speed
  • d)
    Microwaves
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Alok Mehta answered
The entire electromagnetic spectrum, from the lowest to the highest frequency (longest to shortest wavelength), includes all radio waves (e.g., commercial radio and television, microwaves, radar), infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Which region in the electromagnetic spectrum has the highest frequency?
  • a)
    Frequency is same for the complete spectrum
  • b)
    Gamma Radiation Region
  • c)
    Radio
  • d)
    Visible
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

A gamma ray or gamma radiation is a penetrating electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. It consists of the shortest wavelength electromagnetic waves and so imparts the highest photon energy

Infra red rays are used
  • a)
    radar systems
  • b)
    In green house to keep plants warm
  • c)
    To treat muscular pain
  • d)
    Both b and c
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Niki Niki answered
Infra red rays are basically heat radiation it gives warmth which support the plant growth. It also helps in treating muscle pain in the same way we use hot water massage for muscle cramps. Hope it helps:)

Infrared waves are produced by
  • a)
    Permanent magnets
  • b)
    dipole oscillations
  • c)
    static charges
  • d)
    all hot bodies and molecules
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Yashika Singh answered
Option(d)becoz---> infrared radiation is heat or thermal radiation, any object which has a temperature radiates in the infrared. Even objects that we think of as being very cold, such as an ice cube, emit infrared. When an object is not quite hot enough to radiate visible light, it will emit most of its energy in the infrared

Weather forecasting uses
  • a)
    Visible Rays
  • b)
    Micro waves
  • c)
    Infra red Rays
  • d)
    Gamma Rays
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Nandini Iyer answered
It's an infrared sensor that reads temperatures.This sensor allows satellites to measure the amount of energy radiated by Earth's surface, clouds, oceans, air, and so on. Infrared sensors can be used at night—a helpful feature for forecasters, considering that the imager can only pick up data during daylight hours.

Do EM waves need a medium to travel through?
  • a)
    No
  • b)
    Yes
  • c)
    ether is required
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Gopikas S answered
The electromagnetic waves are not mechanical waves. There are vibrations of electric vector and magnetic vector in them. These vibrations do not need any particles present in the medium for their propagation. That's why electromagnetic waves do not require any medium for propagation.

Use the formula λm T = 0.29 cmK to obtain the characteristic temperature range for λm=5×10−7m
  • a)
    7500 K
  • b)
    7000 K
  • c)
    6000 K
  • d)
    6500 K
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Riya Banerjee answered
A body at temperature T produces a continuous spectrum of wavelengths. For a black body, the wavelength corresponding to maximum intensity of radiation is given according to Planck's law by the relation, m=0.29cmK/T. For m=106m,T=2900K.Temperatures for other wavelengths can be found. These numbers tell us the temperature ranges required for obtaining radiations in different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Thus, to obtain visible radiation, say  =5×107m, the source should have a temperature of about 6000K. A lower temperature will also produce this wavelength but not the maximum intensity.

The physical properties of electromagnetic waves are decided by their
  • a)
    Method of excitation
  • b)
    Wavelength
  • c)
    Frequency
  • d)
    Amplitude
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Rajat Patel answered
These electric and magnetic waves travel perpendicular to each other and have certain characteristics, including amplitude, wavelength, and frequency. General Properties of all electromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic radiation can travel through empty space.

Tanning of the skin in sunlight is due to
  • a)
    UV radiation
  • b)
    visible light
  • c)
    infrared
  • d)
    cosmic rays
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ayaan Madhukar answered
When we get a tan, what is actually happening is that the melanocytes are producing melanin pigment in reaction to ultraviolet light in sunlight...

So, correct answer is "UV radiation"...

$$Hope it's help... $$

Oscillating circuits produce
  • a)
    Radio frequencies
  • b)
    Power frequencies
  • c)
    Microwaves
  • d)
    Ultra violet Rays
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Rajeev Sen answered
The utility frequency, (power) line frequency (American English) or mains frequency (British English) is the nominal frequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power station to the end-user.An electronic oscillator is an electronic circuit that produces a periodic, oscillating electronic signal, often a sine wave or a square wave. An RF oscillator produces signals in the radio frequency (RF) range of about 100 kHz to 100 GHz.

The intensity of a plane electromagnetic wave is proportional to
  • a)
    1/ Electric field squared
  • b)
    Electric field cubed
  • c)
    Electric field
  • d)
    Electric field squared
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

Intensity is defined as the rate at which energy is transmitted through a unit area perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. The intensity of a plane electromagnetic wave is proportional to the square of the amplitude of its electric field.

I = 1/2εcE²

where I represents the intensity, ε represents the permittivity of free space, c represents the speed of light, and E represents the amplitude of the electric field.

To find the proportionality between the intensity and the electric field, we can simplify the above equation as follows:

I ∝ E²

Therefore, the correct option is D, i.e., the intensity of a plane electromagnetic wave is proportional to the square of its electric field.

Conclusion:

The intensity of a plane electromagnetic wave is proportional to the square of its electric field. This relationship is important in various applications of electromagnetic waves, such as in the design of antennas and in the measurement of electromagnetic radiation.

Microwaves have a frequency of about
  • a)
    10 Hz
  • b)
    10 GHz
  • c)
    10 KHz
  • d)
    10 MHz
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Roshni Desai answered
Microwaves are a type of electromagnetic wave with a frequency range between 300 MHz to 300 GHz. They are commonly used for communication purposes, such as in microwave ovens, mobile phones, and satellite communication.

Frequency of Microwaves
Microwaves have a frequency of about 10 GHz and 10 MHz.

- 10 GHz: This frequency is commonly used for communication purposes, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals. It is also used in radar systems, satellite communication, and microwave ovens.

- 10 MHz: This frequency is used in radio communication and is often referred to as the medium frequency (MF) band. It is also used in some types of medical equipment and industrial processes.

Conclusion
In conclusion, microwaves have a frequency range between 300 MHz to 300 GHz. The frequency of microwaves depends on their intended use, with 10 GHz being commonly used for communication purposes, and 10 MHz being used in radio communication and some types of medical equipment and industrial processes.

Without the concept of displacement current it is not possible to correctly apply Ampere’s law on a path parallel to the plates of parallel plate capacitor C in
  • a)
    the region leading to plate 2
  • b)
    the region leading to plate 1
  • c)
    the region between the plates
  • d)
    the region between source and the plates
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Rishika Patel answered
The Importance of Displacement Current in Applying Ampere's Law in a Parallel Plate Capacitor

Introduction:
In electromagnetism, Ampere's law is an important equation that relates the magnetic field to the electric current that produces it. However, when dealing with certain situations, such as a parallel plate capacitor, the application of Ampere's law requires the concept of displacement current to be included for accurate results. In this response, we will discuss why displacement current is necessary in applying Ampere's law in a parallel plate capacitor.

Parallel Plate Capacitor:
A parallel plate capacitor is a simple device consisting of two parallel plates separated by a distance, with a potential difference applied across them. When a capacitor is charged, an electric field is created between the plates, which stores energy in the form of electrostatic potential energy.

Ampere's Law:
Ampere's law states that the integral of the magnetic field around a closed loop is equal to the current passing through the loop. Mathematically, this can be expressed as:

∮B⋅dl=μ0Ienc

Where B is the magnetic field, dl is an element of the path around the loop, Ienc is the current passing through the loop, and μ0 is the permeability of free space.

Displacement Current:
Displacement current is a concept introduced by James Clerk Maxwell to account for the changing electric field in a region of space. When a capacitor is charging or discharging, the electric field between the plates is changing, which creates a displacement current. This current does not involve the flow of charge carriers, but rather the changing electric field itself.

Importance of Displacement Current in a Parallel Plate Capacitor:
When applying Ampere's law to a path parallel to the plates of a parallel plate capacitor, the displacement current must be included to obtain accurate results. This is because the electric field between the plates is changing, which creates a magnetic field that contributes to the total magnetic field around the loop. Without considering the displacement current, Ampere's law would only account for the current flow through the wires, ignoring the changing electric field between the plates.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the concept of displacement current is necessary for accurately applying Ampere's law in a parallel plate capacitor. By including the displacement current, the changing electric field between the plates is accounted for, allowing for a more complete understanding of the magnetic field around the loop.

Which of these mechanisms can be used to produce electromagnetic waves?
  • a)
    point charge oscillating in simple harmonic motion
  • b)
    point charge travelling in a circle at constant velocity
  • c)
    point charge travelling in a straight line with constant velocity
  • d)
    point charge drifting slowly
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Electromagnetic waves are produced by the acceleration of charged particles. When a charged particle accelerates, it creates a changing electric field, which in turn creates a changing magnetic field. These two fields then interact with each other and propagate away from the source as an electromagnetic wave.

Explanation of options:

a) Point charge oscillating in simple harmonic motion: When a point charge oscillates back and forth in a simple harmonic motion, it accelerates back and forth, creating a changing electric field. This changing electric field then creates a changing magnetic field, which in turn creates an electromagnetic wave.

b) Point charge travelling in a circle at constant velocity: When a point charge travels in a circle at a constant velocity, it is not accelerating. Therefore, it does not create a changing electric field, and hence does not produce electromagnetic waves.

c) Point charge travelling in a straight line with constant velocity: When a point charge travels in a straight line at a constant velocity, it is also not accelerating. Therefore, it does not create a changing electric field, and hence does not produce electromagnetic waves.

d) Point charge drifting slowly: When a point charge drifts slowly, it is not accelerating significantly. Therefore, it does not create a changing electric field, and hence does not produce electromagnetic waves.

Conclusion: Thus, the correct answer is option 'A' as only a point charge oscillating in simple harmonic motion can create a changing electric field and hence produce electromagnetic waves.

It is necessary to use satellites for long distance TV transmission because
  • a)
    Television signals are absorbed by ionosphere
  • b)
    Satellites transmit the signals all over the earth
  • c)
    Television signals are attenuated by ionosphere
  • d)
    Television signals are not properly reflected by the ionosphere. Therefore, reflection is effected by satellites.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Aarya Khanna answered
TV signals being of high frequency are not reflected by the ionosphere. Therefore, to reflect these signals, satellites are needed. That is why, satellites are used for long distance TV transmission.
 Most long-distance shortwave (high frequency) radio communication—between 3 and 30 MHz—is a result of skywave propagation.
This 3-30 MHz is a range of frequencies which are used in sky waves propagation so that the ionosphere is capable of reflecting it.

Optical and radio telescopes are built on the ground, but X-ray Astronomy is possible only from satellites orbiting the earth because
  • a)
    Satellites orbiting the earth make use of interstellar effects
  • b)
    Atmosphere reflects X-rays horizontally so they don’t reach the earth
  • c)
    Atmosphere absorbs X-rays, while visible and radio waves can penetrate it.
  • d)
    Atmosphere reflects X-rays away from earth
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Dipika Rane answered
X-rays are absorbed by the atmosphere and therefore the source of X-rays must lie outside the atmosphere to carry out X-ray astronomy and therefore satellites orbiting the earth are necessary but radio waves and visible light can penetrate through the atmosphere and therefore optical and radio telescopes can be built on the ground.

Radioactive decay of the nucleus leads to the emission of
  • a)
    visible light
  • b)
    gamma rays
  • c)
    radio waves
  • d)
    microwaves
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Rounak Goyal answered
The emission of gamma rays does not alter the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus but instead has the effect of moving the nucleus from a higher to a lower energy state (unstable to stable). Gamma ray emission frequently follows beta decay, alpha decay, and other nuclear decay processes.

Microwaves have wavelength in the range of​
  • a)
    400 nm to 1 nm
  • b)
    1mm to 1m
  • c)
    < 10 -12m
  • d)
    400nm to 700 nm
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Anshika Rane answered
Microwaves have wavelengths in the range of 1mm to 1m.

Explanation:
Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation that falls between infrared radiation and radio waves on the electromagnetic spectrum. They are widely used in technology and everyday life, particularly in microwave ovens for cooking food.

1. Definition of microwaves:
Microwaves are a type of electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light but shorter wavelengths than radio waves. They have frequencies ranging from 300 MHz (0.3 GHz) to 300 GHz.

2. Wavelength range of microwaves:
Microwaves have wavelengths ranging from 1mm to 1m. This range corresponds to frequencies between 300 MHz and 300 GHz. The specific wavelength of a microwave depends on its frequency, which can vary depending on the application.

3. Importance of wavelength in microwaves:
The wavelength of microwaves is important because it determines their interaction with matter. For example, microwaves with longer wavelengths are more easily absorbed by water molecules, which is why they are used in microwave ovens to heat food. The shorter wavelengths of microwaves are used in communication systems, such as satellite communication and radar.

4. Applications of microwaves:
Microwaves have numerous applications in various fields, including:

- Communication: Microwaves are used in mobile phones, satellite communication, and wireless internet to transmit and receive signals.
- Cooking: Microwave ovens use microwaves to heat food quickly and efficiently.
- Radar: Microwaves are used in radar systems for navigation, weather forecasting, and military applications.
- Medical imaging: Microwaves are used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to generate images of the human body.
- Astronomy: Microwaves are used in radio telescopes to study celestial objects and phenomena.

In conclusion, microwaves have wavelengths in the range of 1mm to 1m, which corresponds to frequencies between 300 MHz and 300 GHz. Understanding the wavelength range of microwaves is crucial for their various applications in communication, cooking, radar, medical imaging, and astronomy.

Plane electromagnetic waves are
  • a)
    Shock waves
  • b)
    transverse waves
  • c)
    Standing waves
  • d)
    longitudinal waves
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Preeti Iyer answered
E is the electric field vector, and B is the magnetic field vector of the EM wave. For electromagnetic waves E and B are always perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves. The wave number is k = 2π/λ, where λ is the wavelength of the wave.

Visible range of electromagnetic spectrum is
  • a)
    400 m to 0.6 m
  • b)
    400 mm to 0.6 mm
  • c)
    400 nm to 0.6 mm
  • d)
    400 µm to 0.6 µm
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Aravind Rane answered
The visible light spectrum is the segment of the electromagnetic spectrum that the human eye can view. More simply, this range of wavelengths is called visible light. Typically, the human eye can detect wavelengths from 380 to 700 nanometers.
Option C is the closest so the answer is option C.
 

According to Maxwell’s equations
  • a)
    Electric and magnetic fields are independent of each other
  • b)
    Electric and magnetic fields are coupled
  • c)
    Electric and magnetic fields move around in circles
  • d)
    Electric and magnetic fields are decoupled
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Maxwell’s Fourth Equation
It is based on Ampere’s circuital law. To understand Maxwell’s fourth equation it is crucial to understand Ampere’s circuital law,
Consider a wire of current-carrying conductor with the current I, since there is an electric field there has to be a magnetic field vector around it. Ampere’s circuit law states that “The closed line integral of magnetic field vector is always equal to the total amount of scalar electric field enclosed within the path of any shape” which means the current flowing along the wire(which is a scalar quantity) is equal to the magnetic field vector (which is a vector quantity)

The electromagnetic waves ranging in frequencies between 1 GHz and 300 GHz are called _______
  • a)
    Radio waves
  • b)
    Microwaves
  • c)
    Infrared waves
  • d)
    Light waves
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Arka Chopra answered
Overview of Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic waves are a form of energy that travels through space at the speed of light. They encompass a wide range of frequencies and wavelengths, categorized into different types based on their frequency ranges.
Frequency Range of Microwaves
- The specific range of frequencies between 1 GHz (gigahertz) and 300 GHz places these waves in the microwave category.
- Microwaves are characterized by their shorter wavelengths compared to radio waves, making them suitable for various applications.
Characteristics of Microwaves
- Wavelength: Microwaves have wavelengths ranging from 1 mm to 30 cm.
- Applications: They are extensively used in telecommunications, satellite communications, and radar technology, as well as in microwave ovens for cooking food.
- Interaction with Matter: Microwaves are effective at heating substances, especially water molecules, which is why they are used in cooking.
Comparison with Other Electromagnetic Waves
- Radio Waves: Typically have frequencies below 1 GHz and longer wavelengths, making them ideal for AM/FM radio and television broadcasts.
- Infrared Waves: These have frequencies above microwaves, typically from about 300 GHz to 400 THz (terahertz), and are used in thermal imaging and remote controls.
- Light Waves: Visible light falls within the range of approximately 400 THz to 800 THz, allowing humans to see.
In conclusion, the electromagnetic spectrum is diverse, and the classification of waves into categories like microwaves is essential for understanding their properties and applications. Thus, the correct answer to the question is option 'B', as microwaves specifically encompass the frequency range of 1 GHz to 300 GHz.

According to Maxwell’s equations
  • a)
    time-varying magnetic field vanishes in electric field
  • b)
    time-varying magnetic field produce as a static electric field
  • c)
    time-varying magnetic field acts as a source of electric field and time-varying electric field acts as a source of magnetic field
  • d)
    time-varying magnetic field acts as a sink of electric field
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Ameya Das answered

Maxwell's Equations:

Maxwell's equations are a set of four fundamental equations that describe how electric and magnetic fields interact. These equations are crucial in the study of electromagnetism and have many important implications.

Time-Varying Magnetic Field and Electric Field:

- According to Maxwell's equations, a time-varying magnetic field acts as a source of an electric field. This means that when a magnetic field changes with time, it creates an electric field in the surrounding space.
- Similarly, a time-varying electric field acts as a source of a magnetic field. This shows the interconnected nature of electric and magnetic fields and how they influence each other.

Implications of Time-Varying Fields:

- When a magnetic field undergoes changes over time, it induces an electric field. This phenomenon is known as electromagnetic induction and is the basis for many practical applications such as generators and transformers.
- The relationship between time-varying electric and magnetic fields is essential for understanding electromagnetic waves, which are propagating disturbances of electric and magnetic fields.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Maxwell's equations reveal the intricate relationship between electric and magnetic fields, particularly when they vary with time. The concept that a time-varying magnetic field acts as a source of an electric field, and vice versa, is fundamental in the study of electromagnetism and has wide-ranging applications in various fields of science and technology.

The speed of plane electromagnetic waves is maximum in
  • a)
    water
  • b)
    tourmaline
  • c)
    glass
  • d)
    vacuum
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Zeal Gosai answered
Speed is inversely proportional to the refractive index. As vacume has the least refractive index the speed of em waves will be max in it. So, option D is corect

Plane electromagnetic wave travels in vacuum along z-direction. If the frequency of the wave is 30 MHz, its wavelength is
  • a)
    13 m
  • b)
    12 m
  • c)
    11 m
  • d)
    10 m
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Aarya Khanna answered
Electromagnetic wave and its properties

An electromagnetic wave is a disturbance that travels through space, created by the motion of electric charges. It consists of two perpendicular waves - the electric field and the magnetic field, which are also perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium for their propagation and can travel through a vacuum.

Formula for wavelength

The wavelength (λ) of an electromagnetic wave is the distance between two consecutive points on the wave that are in phase. It is related to the frequency (f) of the wave and the speed of light (c) in vacuum by the formula:

λ = c/f

Where λ is the wavelength in meters, c is the speed of light in meters per second, and f is the frequency in Hertz.

Calculation

Given that the frequency of the electromagnetic wave is 30 MHz, we can convert it to units of Hertz by multiplying it by 10^6. Therefore, f = 30 × 10^6 Hz.

The speed of light in vacuum is a constant value of 3 × 10^8 m/s.

Substituting the values in the formula for wavelength, we get:

λ = c/f = 3 × 10^8 / (30 × 10^6) = 10 m

Therefore, the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave is 10 meters.

Conclusion

The correct answer is option D, i.e. the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave with a frequency of 30 MHz is 10 meters.

When white light is split into its component colors by a prism
  • a)
    You are not looking at electromagnetic spectrum but at colored light
  • b)
    you are looking at a part of the electromagnetic spectrum
  • c)
    All of the electromagnetic spectrum
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Zeal Gosai answered
See, when white light enters the prism it has actually entered out atmosphere and so the parts of EM spectrum like UV don't appear. After the light comes out of the prism all the parts seprate but we can only see the visible part i.e. 400-700nm range. So we look at only a part of the EM spectrum. Hence option B is correct.

State the part of the electromagnetic spectrum to which 1057 MHz (frequency of radiation arising from two close energy levels in hydrogen; known as Lamb shift)..Belongs
  • a)
    Visible
  • b)
    Ultraviolet
  • c)
    Microwave
  • d)
    Radio (short wavelength end)
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Amar Choudhary answered
The Electromagnetic Spectrum and 1057 MHz Radiation

The electromagnetic spectrum is a range of all types of electromagnetic radiation. It includes various forms of energy such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. Each of these forms of energy has a specific frequency and wavelength.

1057 MHz is a specific frequency of radiation that is known as the Lamb shift. This radiation arises due to the interaction between an electron and a proton in a hydrogen atom. It is a very low-frequency radiation, and it belongs to the radio wave part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Therefore, the correct answer to the given question is option D, i.e., radio (short wavelength end).

In summary, the Lamb shift radiation with a frequency of 1057 MHz belongs to the radio wave part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Chapter doubts & questions for Electromagnetic Waves - Physics for ACT 2025 is part of ACT exam preparation. The chapters have been prepared according to the ACT exam syllabus. The Chapter doubts & questions, notes, tests & MCQs are made for ACT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests here.

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