Search for a topic  SIGNUP LOGIN

SCIENCE

Physics > Communication Systems > Propagation of Electromagnetic Waves

BANK

Communication Systems

Propagation
COMMERCE of Electromagnetic Waves
Hello friends! In this discussion, we will study what are electromagnetic waves,
NCERT
discuss Maxwell Equations and study the methods of generation and
SOLUTIONS
electromagnetic wave propagation. Let’s start with the very basics.

Suggested Videos

VST Communication
Introduction to Modes of EM Wave Systems Problem 1 and
Communication System Propagation its Solution

What is Electromagnetic Wave Propagation?

Electromagnetic Waves also called  Electromagnetic Radiations are basically
defined as superimposed oscillations of an Electric and a Magnetic Field in space
with their direction of propagation perpendicular to both of them. In simple
words, electromagnetic waves are oscillations produced due to crossing over of an
electric and a magnetic field.

The direction of the propagation of such waves is perpendicular to the direction

of the force of either of these fields as seen in the above figure. Like all waveforms,
these have some properties as well. Let us have a look at the properties of
electromagnetic wave propagation.

Properties of Electromagnetic Wave Propagation

These waves travel at the speed of light.

These waves do not require any medium for propagation.

Electromagnetic waves travel in a transverse form.

Electromagnetic waves are not deflected by electric or magnetic field.

These waves can be polarized.

Electromagnetic Waves undergo interference and diffraction.

The wavelength(λ) and frequency (v) of the EM waves can be related as:
c= v.λ

where c = velocity of the wave. To study the electromagnetic wave propagation let
us study the example of production of X rays.

Xrays are electromagnetic waves having a wavelength range of 0.001 nanometers

to 10 nanometers ( 1 nanometre =10^-9 meter). They find a wide variety of
applications ranging from medical purposes like detection of an anomaly inside a
body to security at airports or public places.

X rays are generated inside an Xray tube which is nothing but a tube with a
vacuum that has a high potential difference at its ends. This causes a stream of
high-velocity electrons to hit a target anode mostly tungsten or another metal
depending on the type of wavelength required.

As the electrons collide with the target they transmit the high energy they possess
in form of photons to the anode thus generating Xrays. Now let us study some
methods of propagation of EM waves: Mesosphere, Troposphere, Ionosphere are
the different layers.

These layers are used for propagation of EM waves and that EM waves travel
basically in  any 1 of the three methods discussed below:

a. Ground Wave
Used for a low-frequency range transmission, mostly less than 1 MHz. This type
of propagation employs the use of large antennas order of which is equivalent to
the wavelength of the waves and uses the ground or Troposphere for its
propagation. Signals over large distances are not sent using this method.  It causes
severe attenuation which increases with increased frequency of the waves.

b. Sky Wave

Used for the propagation of EM waves with a frequency range of 3 – 30 MHz.

Make use of the ionosphere so called due to the presence of charged ions in the
region of about 60 to 300 km from the earth surface. These ions provide a
reflecting medium to the radio or communication waves within a particular
frequency range. We use this property of the ionosphere for long-distance
transmission of the waves without much attenuation and loss of signal strength.

Another important point to note is the consideration of the angle of the emission
of these waves from the ground. The transmitter emits the EM Waves at a critical
angle to ensure total reflection to the ground just like the total internal reflection
of optic waves otherwise the waves may escape into space. Skip Distance is the
distance between the 2 points between which the wave transmission happens.

c. Space Wave

Used for a line of Sight communication also known as LoS. Space satellite
communication and very high-frequency waves use this propagation method. It
basically involves sending a signal in a straight line from the transmitter to the
receiver. We must ensure that for very large distances, the height of the tower
used for transmission is high enough to prevent waves from touching the earth
curvature thus preventing attenuation and loss of signal strength.

There is a very important relationship for determining the height of the antennas
and their corresponding distance of transmission given by:

Dm=(2RHt)-1/2 +(2RHr)-1/2

where Dm=distancbetweenen 2 antennas; R=Radius of earth=6400 km

Ht=Height of transmission antenna; Hr=Height of receiver antenna. Also, very
important to note is  another important relation to determining the range of
transmission(Dt) for a given antenna of height Ht is:

Dt=(2RHt)-1/2

Thus we have reached the end of this discussion. Wherein we have seen and
studied about electromagnetic waves, understood the concept of their production
and studied their properties. We also looked at various types of EM waves
available, their utilization and studied the method of their propagation.
A thorough knowledge of these concepts and types of electromagnetic waves will
help the reader understand their complex limitations and applications.

Solved Example for You

Question: Find the transmitting range for an antenna of height 100 meters.

Solution: We know, the range of transmission for an antenna is,

Distance = (2RHt) -1/2

where R = 6400 km and Height = o.1 km

Substitute in the above equation we get, Distance= (2x6400x0.1)1/2 =35.77 m

Share with friends

Previous Next
Continuity and Differentiability Bandwidth of Transmission Medium

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in?

5 th 6 th 7 th 8 th

9 th 10 th 11 th 12 th
 GET STARTED

BROWSE
Communication Systems

Detection of Amplitude Modulated Wave

Production of Amplitude Modulated Waves Amplitude Modulation

Modulation and Its Necessity Bandwidth of Signals

Bandwidth of Transmission Medium Propagation of Electromagnetic Waves

Basic Terminology Used in Communication Systems

Leave a Reply

Start the discussion...

  Subscribe  

BROWSE
Communication Systems

Detection of Amplitude Modulated Wave

Production of Amplitude Modulated Waves

Amplitude Modulation

Modulation and Its Necessity

Bandwidth of Signals
 Bandwidth of Transmission Medium

Propagation of Electromagnetic Waves

Basic Terminology Used in Communication Systems

Stuck with a

Question Mark?

Have a doubt at 3 am? Our experts are

available 24x7. Connect with a tutor
instantly and get your concepts
cleared in less than 3 steps.

REGISTER NOW

Download the App

Watch lectures, practise questions and take tests on the go.

Google Play App Store

Download Previous Years QUESTION PAPERS

Quick TIPS AND TRICKS for Successful Exam Preparation

Download NCERT Notes and Solutions

 Learn from VIDEO lectures

CLASSES BOARDS EXAMS

CLASS 5 CBSE MADHYA PRADESH JEE MAIN NEET NTSE

CLASS 6 ICSE MAHARASHTRA JEE ADVANCED AIIMS NSO

CLASS 7 IGCSE PUNJAB UPSEE AFMC NSTSE

CLASS 8 ANDHRA PRADESH RAJASTHAN BITSAT AP EAMCET KVPY

CLASS 9 BIHAR TAMIL NADU TS EAMCET COMEDK HBBVS

CLASS 10 GUJARAT TELANGANA WBJEE JIPMER IMO

CLASS 11 JHARKHAND UTTAR PRADESH VITEEE BCECE IEO

CLASS 12 KARNATAKA MHT-CET KCET IJSO

CLASS 12+ KERALA SAT KEAM NDA

About Us • Press • Customer Stories • Jobs • Educators • Blog • Bytes •

Contact Us • FAQs

Terms Of Service • Privacy Policy