The source of energy of electromagnetic waves is primarily from accelerating electric charges. When electric charges accelerate or oscillate, they create changing electric and magnetic fields. These changing fields propagate through space as electromagnetic waves, carrying energy along with them. This process occurs in various natural and artificial phenomena, such as the motion of electrons in antennas or the radiation emitted by stars.
Electromagnetic energy originates from a variety of sources, both natural and artificial. Natural sources include the Sun, stars, and cosmic events like supernovae. Artificial sources include electrical devices, such as radio transmitters, microwave ovens, and radar systems, which generate electromagnetic waves intentionally for communication, heating, and sensing purposes.
Two primary sources of electromagnetic energy are radiation from stars, including the Sun, and man-made electromagnetic devices such as radio antennas and microwave transmitters. Stellar radiation encompasses a wide range of electromagnetic frequencies emitted by celestial bodies due to processes like nuclear fusion in stars. Meanwhile, human-made electromagnetic sources generate specific frequencies for applications like communication, broadcasting, and medical imaging.
The energy form of an electromagnetic wave is primarily in the form of electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation. These fields carry energy through space in the form of electromagnetic radiation. The amount of energy carried by an electromagnetic wave is proportional to its frequency; higher frequencies correspond to higher energy photons.
The source of the electromagnetic field is electric charges in motion. According to Maxwell’s equations, electric charges create electric fields, and moving electric charges (currents) create magnetic fields. These electric and magnetic fields propagate through space as electromagnetic waves. Sources of electromagnetic fields can range from individual charged particles to complex systems of charges in motion, such as currents flowing through wires or the orbital motion of electrons in atoms and molecules.