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7.4.1—That all electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that travel with the

Syllabus
9702–2028–2029
Objective
7.4.1
Level
AS

All electromagnetic waves are transverse and travel at c in free space

Electromagnetic waves consist of mutually perpendicular electric and magnetic fields, both transverse to the direction of travel, and move at c≈3.00×10⁸ m s⁻¹ in vacuum.

They do not require a material medium; in matter their speed can be lower and depends on the medium.

Radio, visible light and X-rays are different frequencies of the same transverse electromagnetic family.

“Electromagnetic” does not mean longitudinal, and c applies to free space, not every material.

ConceptA-Level CAIE Physics AS