Section

Electromagnetic waves are a physical phenomenon through which electromagnetic energy can move from one place to another by propagation. Electromagnetic waves, according to Maxwell's theory, are oscillating phenomena, generally of a sinusoidal type and are made up of two variables that vary periodically over time: the electric field and the magnetic field. The main characteristics of the electromagnetic waves depend on their fundamental property: the frequency f, that is the number of oscillations performed in a second. This quantity is measured in cycles per second or Hertz (Hz) and relative multiples and submultiples. Closely related to the frequency is the wavelength λ, which is the distance traveled from the wave during an oscillation time and corresponds to the distance between two maximums or two minimums displacements from equilibrium.

λ = 1/f

The range of all possible electromagnetic waves, depending on the frequency and the wavelength, constitutes the electromagnetic spectrum.