Topics Covered :

(1) Displacement Current

(2) Maxwell’s Equations
(3) Equation of EM Waves
(4) Energy Density of EM Waves
(5) Intensity of EM Waves
(6) Momentum and pressure transferred by EM Waves
(7) Electro Magnetic Waves Spectrum
EM WAVES
EM WAVES
EM WAVES
DISPLACEMENT CURRENT

Basic about capacitor charging

DISPLACEMENT CURRENT
DISPLACEMENT CURRENT
AMPERE-MAXWELL LAW Q –Q

ර B. dl = μ0 Ic + Id

R
V0
 01 Find displacement current through the
given surface. R E = 10t2

Sol.
 02 Find displacement current for given circuit as function of time. C R
V0 V0 −tΤRC
(1) (2) e
R R
V0 −tΤRC V0
(3) e (4) 1 − e−tΤRC V0
C R

Sol.
 03 Potential difference across a capacitor of 50 F is changed at the rate
of 200 volt/sec. Find displacement current.
(1) 10 A (2) 0.1 A (3) 0.02 A (4) 0.01 A
Sol.
 04 Capacitor C and resistance R are connect with a battery V0 in series at t = 0.
The plate of capacitor are circular having radius ‘r’ and distance between the
plates is d. Find magnitude of magnetic field half way between the plates at a
r
distance from axis of plate during charging. (Time constant of circuit is )
2
μ0 V0 −tΤτ μ0 V0 −tΤτ
(1) e (2) e
4πr R 2πr R
μ0 V0 −tΤτ μ0 V0
(3) e (4) 1 − e−tΤτ
πr R 4πrR

Sol.
 05 A parallel plate capacitor made of circular plates is being charged such that
the surface charge density on its plates is increasing at a constant rate with
time. The magnetic field arising due to displacement current is :
(1) zero at all places
(2) constant between the plates and zero outside the plates
(3) non-zero everywhere with maximum at the imaginary cylindrical surface
connecting peripheries of the plates
(4) zero between the plates and non-zero outside [NEET(UG) 2025]
Sol.
 06 A capacitor of capacitance 'C', is connected across an ac source of voltage V,
given by
V = V0 sin t
The displacement current between the plates of the capacitor, would then be
given by :
V
(1) Id = V0  C cos t (2) Id = ωC0 cos ωt
V
(3) Id = ωC0 sin ωt (4) Id = V0C sin t
Sol. [NEET (UG) 2021]
MAXWELL’S EQUATIONS

1. Gauss’ Law in Electrostatics

2. Gauss’ Law in Magnetism

3. Faraday’s Law

4. Ampere – Maxwell Law

MAXWELL’S EQUATIONS
Q en
1. Gauss’ Law in Electrostatics ර E ∙ dA =
ϵo

2. Gauss’ Law in Magnetism ර B ∙ dA = 0

dϕB
3. Faraday’s Law ර E ∙ dԦl = −
dt

dϕE
4. Ampere – Maxwell Law ර B ∙ dԦl = μo Ic + ϵo
dt
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
EQUATION OF EM WAVE

Ey = E0 sin (kx – t)

Bz = B0 sin (kx – t)
EQUATION OF EM WAVE
EQUATION OF EM WAVE
PROPERTIES OF EM WAVES

1. Speed of wave
ω
(a) v=
k
1
(b) c= = speed of EM wave in vacuum = 3 × 108 m/s
μ0 ε 0
1 c
vmedium = = speed of EM wave in medium
μ0 μr ε 0 ε r μr ε r
E E0 ERMS
(c) v (velocity) of EM wave = = =
B B0 BRMS
PROPERTIES OF EM WAVES

c
2. Refractive index (n) , n= = μr εr
v
3. Phase of electric field and magnetic field is always same.
4. Direction of oscilation of electric field and magnetic field and direction of
propragation of EM wave are mutually perpendicular to each other.
5. Direction of propragation of EM wave is given by E × B.
6. Electromagnetic waves carry energy. The rate of flow of energy crossing a unit
1
area is described by the Poynting vector S. Where S = μ (E × B൰
0
 07 Electric field for EM wave is, E = 10sin(2π × 106 t − π × 10−2 z൯.
Find :
(a) Direction of propagation of wave
(b) Angular Frequency
(c) Time Period
(d) Propagation Vector
(e) Wave Length
Sol. (f) Speed of Wave
 08 The electric field in a plane electromagnetic wave is given by
Ez = 60 cos (5x + 1.5 × 109t) V/m.
Then expression for the corresponding magnetic field is (here subscripts
denote the direction of the field) :
(1) By = 2 × 10–7 cos(5x + 1.5 × 109 t)T
(2) Bx = 2 × 10–7 cos(5x + 1.5 × 109 t)T
(3) Bz = 60 cos(5x + 1.5 × 109 t)T
(4) By = 60 sin (5x + 1.5 × 109 t)T [NEET(UG) 2025]

Sol.
 09 A plane electromagnetic wave travelling in space along the x-direction has a
wavelength of 3mm. The variation in the electric field occurs in the y-
direction with an amplitude 66 Vm–1. The equation for the electric and
magnetic fields as a function of x and t are respectively.
x x
(A) Ey = 33 cos π × 1011 t − c ; Bz = 1.1 × 10−7 cos π × 1011 t − c

x x
(B) Ey = 11 cos 2π × 1011 t − c ; By = 1.1 × 10−7 cos 2π × 1011 t − c

x x
(C) Ex = 33 cos π × 1011 t − c ; Bx = 1.1 × 10−7 cos π × 1011 t − c

x x
(D) Ey = 66 cos 2π × 1011 t − c ; By = 2.2 × 10−7 cos 2π × 1011 t − c

Sol. [JEE Main 2021]

 10 A parallel plate capacitor is charged by connecting it to a battery through a
resistor. If I is the current in the circuit, then in the gap between the plates :
(1) there is no current.
(2) displacement current of magnitude equal to I flows in the same direction
as I.
(3) displacement current of magnitude equal to I flows in a direction opposite
to that of I.
(4) displacement current of magnitude greater than I flows but can be in any
direction [NEET(UG) 2024]
Sol.
 11 Match List-I with List-II. (The symbols carry their usual meaning.)
List-I List-II

Q
A. රE. dA = ε I. Ampere-Maxwell's Law
0

B. ය B. dA = 0 II. Faraday's Law

−d(ϕሻ
C. රE. dl = III. Gauss Law of electrostatics
dt

d(ϕE ሻ
D. රB. dl = μ0 ic + μ0 ε0 IV. Gauss Law of magnetism
dt

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

(1) A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
(2) A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I
(3) A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II
(4) A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I [NEET (UG) 2024 (SAWAIMADHOPUR)]
Sol.
 12 If E and B represents the electric field vector and magnetic field vector,
respectively, in an electromagnetic wave then the direction of EM wave is
along:
(1) B (2) E × B (3) B × E (4) E
Sol. [NEET (UG) 2024 (SAWAIMADHOPUR)]
 13 In a plane electromagnetic wave travelling in free space, the electric field
component oscillates sinusoidally at a frequency of 2.0 × 1010 Hz and
amplitude 48 Vm–1. Then the amplitude of oscillating magnetic field is : (Speed
of light in free space = 3 × 108 m s–1 )
(1) 1.6 × 10–8 T (2) 1.6 × 10–7 T (3) 1.6 × 10–6 T (4) 1.6 × 10–9 T
Sol. [NEET (UG) 2023]
 14 The ratio of the magnitude of the magnetic field and electric field intensity of a
plane electromagnetic wave in free space of permeability 0 and permittivity
0 is (Given that c – velocity of light in free space)
1 c μ0 ε0
(1) c (2) (3) (4)
c μ0 ε0 c
[Re-NEET (UG) 2022]
Sol.
 15 Electromagnetic wave travel in a medium with speed of 0.5 × 108 m/s. The
relative permeability of the medium is 4. The relative permittivity will be :
(1) 8 (2) 6 (3) 4 (4) 9
Sol.
 16 For a transparent medium relative permeability and permittivity, r and r are
1.0 and 1.44 respectively. The velocity of light in this medium would be,
(1) 2.5 × 108 m/s (2) 3 × 108 m/s
(3) 2.08 × 108 m/s (4) 4.32 × 108 m/s
Sol. [NEET (UG) 2019 (Odisha)]
ENERGY DENSITY OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

The total energy density of the electromagnetic wave is equal to the sum of
the energy density of the electric field and the energy density of the
magnetic field.
INSTANTANEOUS ENERGY DENSITY OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
AVERAGE ENERGY DENSITY OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

E = E0 sin (kx – t)

B = B0 sin (kx – t)
AVERAGE ENERGY DENSITY OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
 17 (a) E = 10 sin (351 × 106 t –  × 10–2 x) find average energy density
of a EM wave
(1) 100 0 (2) 50 0 (3) 25 0 (4) 200 0
Sol.

(b) E = 10 sin (351 × 106 t –  × 10–2 x) find average energy density

of electric field
(1) 100 0 (2) 50 0 (3) 25 0 (4) 200 0

Sol.
 18 The ratio of contributions made by the electric field and magnetic field
components to the intensity of an electromagnetic wave is :
(c = speed of electromagnetic waves)
(1) 1 : c2 (2) c : 1 (3) 1 : 1 (4) 1 : c
Sol.
 19 In an EM wave, the amplitude of electric field 1 V/m. The frequency of wave is
5 × 1014 Hz. The wave propagating along z-axis. The average energy density of
Electric field will be
(1) 8.85 × 10–12 J/m3 (2) 2.21 × 10–12 J/m3
(3) 2.21 × 10–10 J/m3 (4) 4.42 × 10–12 J/m3
Sol.
 20 The rms value of the electric field of the light coming from the sun is 100 N/c.
The average total energy density of the electromagnetic wave is:
(A) 8.85 × 10–8 J/m3 (B) 8.85 × 10–12 J/m3
(C) 81.35 × 10–12 J/m3 (D) 3.3 × 10–3 J/m3
Sol.
 21 Identify the correct statements from the following descriptions of various
properties of electromagnetic waves.
A. In a plane electromagnetic wave electric field and magnetic field must be
perpendicular to each other and direction of propagation of wave should
be along electric field or magnetic field.
B. The energy in electromagnetic wave is divided equally between electric
and magnetic fields.
C. Both electric field and magnetic field are parallel to each other and
perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave.
D. The electric field, magnetic field and direction of propagation of wave
must be perpendicular to each other.
E. The ratio of amplitude of magnetic field to the amplitude of electric field
is equal to speed of light.
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
(1) D only (2) B and D only
(3) B, C and E only (4) A, B and E only

Sol. [JEE Main 2022]

 22 Given below are two statements:
Statement I : A time varying electric field is a source of changing magnetic
field and vice-versa. Thus a disturbance in electric or magnetic field creates
EM waves.
Statement II : In a material medium. The EM wave travels with speed v =
1
.
μ0 ε0
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the
options given below:
(1) Both statement I and statement II are true.
(2) Both statement I and statement II are false.
(3) Statement I is correct but statement II is false.
(4) Statement I is incorrect but statement II is true.
Sol. [JEE Main 2022]
INTENSITY OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

Intensity of plane Electromagnetic Waves is the average power transferred

per unit area perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave.

Intensity of two types :

(i) Instantaneous Intensity of EM wave
(ii) Average Intensity of EM wave
INSTANTANEOUS INTENSITY OF EM WAVE
AVERAGE INTENSITY OF EM WAVE
AVERAGE INTENSITY OF EM WAVE

The S.I. unit of Intensity is WΤm2

The expression of Intensity can be given as,

E0 B0 E0 2 B0 2 c Pavg
I= = = =
2μ0 2cμ0 2μ0 area
 23 Given a point source having average power ‘P’ ? Find amplitude of electric field
at a distance ‘d’ from the source.

Pμ0 c Pc
(1) (2) P
2πd2 2πd2 A
d
Pμ0 c Pμ0 c
(3) (4)
πd2 2πd

Sol.
 24 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
Sol.
 25 Light with an average flux of 20 W/cm2 falls on a non-reflecting surface at
normal incidence having surface area 20 cm2. The energy received by the
surface during time span of 1 minute is :
(1) 48 × 103 J (2) 10 × 103 J (3) 12 × 103 J (4) 24 × 103 J
[NEET (UG) 2020]
Sol.
MOMENTUM TRANSFERED BY EM WAVE
RADIATION PRESSURE
 26 A radiation of energy ‘E’ falls normally on a perfectly reflecting surface. The
momentum transferred to the surface is (C = Velocity of light) :-
2E 2E E E
(1) (2) 2 (3) 2 (4)
C C C C
Sol.
 27 The pressure exerted by an electromagnetic wave of intensity I W/m2 on a non-
reflecting surface is :-
(1) Ic (2) Ic2 (3) I/c (4) I/c2
Sol.
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES SPECTRUM

frequency wavelength photon energy

v(hertz) λ(centimetres) hv(electron volts)

1025 10−15
1010
gamma rays

1020 10−10 violet

10 5 indigo
X − rays blue
green
UV − rays 10−5 visible yellow
light orange
infrared − rays
red
radar waves 1
1010
microwaves 10−5
television
waves
105 105
radio waves 10−10

1 1010 10−15
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES SPECTRUM
 28 Match List – I with List –II
List-I List-II
(Electromagnetic waves) (Wavelength)
(a) AM radio waves (i) 10–10 m
(b) Microwaves (ii) 102 m
(c) Infrared radiations (iii) 10–2 m
(d) X-rays (iv) 10–4 m
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
(1) (a) – (iii), (b) – (ii), (c) – (i), (d) – (iv)
(2) (a) – (iii), (b) – (iv), (c) – (ii), (d) – (i)
(3) (a) – (ii), (b) – (iii), (c) – (iv), (d) – (i)
(4) (a) – (iv), (b) – (iii), (c) – (ii), (d) – (i)
[NEET (UG) 2022]
Sol.
RADIO WAVES

➢ Radio waves are produced by accelerated charges in conducting wires.

➢ Used extensively in radio, television, and mobile communication systems.
➢ AM (Amplitude Modulated): 530 kHz to 1710 kHz.
➢ TV Broadcast: 54 MHz to 890 MHz.
➢ FM (Frequency Modulated): 88 MHz to 108 MHz.
➢ Cellular Phones (UHF Band): use higher frequency radio waves for voice
communication.
➢ Radio waves are essential for wireless communication technologies.
MICROWAVES

➢ Microwaves are short-wavelength radio waves with frequencies in the gigahertz

(GHz) range.
➢ Produced using special vacuum tubes such as klystrons, magnetrons, and Gunn
diodes.
➢ Due to their short wavelength, they are ideal for radar systems in aircraft
navigation.
➢ Used in speed detection guns for balls, tennis serves, and vehicles.
➢ Microwave ovens use microwaves tuned to the resonant frequency of water
molecules.
INFRARED (IR)

➢ Infrared waves are produced by hot bodies and vibrating molecules.

➢ Play a key role in the greenhouse effect, helping maintain Earth's temperature.
➢ Infrared detectors are used in satellites for weather monitoring, crop
observation, and military purposes.
➢ Electronic devices like LEDs emit infrared radiation.
➢ Widely used in remote control systems for TVs, video recorder and hifi system.
(high-fidelity audio, i.e., very high quality, crystal-clear sound).
VISIBLE LIGHT

➢ Visible light is the most familiar form of electromagnetic waves.

➢ It is the only part of the spectrum that can be detected by the human eye.
➢ Frequency range: 4 × 10¹⁴ Hz to 7 × 10¹⁴ Hz
➢ Wavelength range: 700 nm (red) to 400 nm (violet)
➢ Snakes can detect infrared radiation.
➢ Many insects can see ultraviolet radiation beyond the human visible range.
ULTRAVIOLET (UV)

➢ It is produced by very hot bodies and special lamps.

➢ Sun is the main natural source of UV radiation.
➢ Most UV rays are absorbed by the ozone layer located at 40–50 km altitude
➢ Welders wear special UV-protective goggles to prevent eye damage.
➢ UV radiation has short wavelengths, allowing it to be focussed for precision
operations like LASIK eye surgery.
➢ UV lamps are used in water purifiers to kill germs.
X-RAYS

➢ X-rays are commonly produced by bombarding a metal target with high-energy

electrons.
➢ Widely used in medical diagnosis (X-ray imaging) and cancer treatment
(radiation therapy).
➢ X-rays can damage living tissues, so controlled exposure is necessary to avoid
harm.
GAMMA RAYS

➢ Gamma rays lie in the highest frequency region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
➢ Produced during nuclear reactions and radioactive decay of atomic nuclei.
➢ They have very high penetrating power.
➢ Used in medical treatments to destroy cancer cells (radiotherapy).
 29 Match List - I with List - II.
List - I List - II
(a) Source of microwave frequency (i) Radioactive decay on nucleus
Sol. (b) Source of infrared frequency (ii) Magnetron
(c) Source of Gamma Rays (iii) Inner shell electrons
(d) Source of X-rays (iv) Vibration of atoms and molecules
(v) LASER
(vi) RC circuit
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
(1) (a)-(vi), (b)-(iv), (c)-(i), (d)-(v)
(2) (a)-(vi), (b)-(v), (c)-(i), (d)-(iv)
(3) (a)-(ii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(vi), (d)-(iii)
(4) (a)-(ii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(i), (d)-(iii) [JEE Main 2021]
 30 Mach List-I with List – II :
List-I List-II
(1) Ultraviolet rays (i) Study crystal structure
(2) Microwaves (ii) Greenhouse effect
(3) Infrared waves (iii) Sterilizing surgical instrument
(4) X-rays (iv) Radar system
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
(1) (1) – (iii), (2) – (iv), (3) – (ii), (4) – (i)
(2) (1) – (iii), (2) – (i), (3) – (ii), (4) – (iv)
(3) (1) – (iv), (2) – (iii), (3) – (ii), (4) – (i)
(4) (1) – (iii), (2) – (iv), (3) – (i), (4) – (ii) [JEE Main 2022]
Sol.