Q.What physical quantity is the same for X-rays of wavelength 10−10 m, red light of wavelength 6800 A˚ and radiowaves of wavelength 500 m?
Concept understanding — Speed Of Light
Speed of Light
What It Is
The speed of light is the speed at which light — and every other electromagnetic wave — travels through empty space (vacuum). It is one of the most important constants in physics, denoted c:
c≈3×108 m/s=3×105 km/s
More precisely c=2.998×108 m/s. In one second light travels about 300,000 km — roughly seven and a half times around the Earth.
Where the Value Comes From (Maxwell)
The speed of light is not just measured; it is predicted by Maxwell's equations. When Maxwell combined his laws of electricity and magnetism, he found that electromagnetic waves must travel through vacuum at a speed fixed entirely by two constants of free space:
c=μ0ε01
where
- ε0=8.85×10−12 C2N−1m−2 is the permittivity of free space, and
- μ0=4π×10−7 T m A−1 is the permeability of free space.
Plugging in these numbers gives c≈3×108 m/s — matching the measured speed of light. This agreement was the decisive clue that light itself is an electromagnetic wave.
Key Properties
- Same for all electromagnetic waves. Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays all travel at c in vacuum, regardless of their frequency or wavelength.
- Universal constant. In vacuum, c is the same for every observer and does not depend on the motion of the source — the starting postulate of Einstein's special relativity.
- The cosmic speed limit. No material object or signal carrying information can travel faster than c.
- Links wavelength and frequency. For any EM wave in vacuum,
c=fλ
so a high-frequency wave has a short wavelength and vice versa.
Speed of Light in a Medium
Inside a transparent material (glass, water, etc.) light slows down. Its speed becomes
v=nc=με1
where n=μrεr is the refractive index of the medium and is always greater than 1. For example, in water n≈1.33, so light travels at about 2.25×108 m/s. The frequency stays the same, but the wavelength shortens because v=fλ.
When light passes from vacuum into a medium, do NOT change its frequency — only its speed and wavelength change. Frequency is set by the source.
A Quick Example
How long does sunlight take to reach the Earth, a distance of about 1.5×1011 m?
t=cd=3×1081.5×1011=500 s≈8.3 minutes
The Big Picture
The speed of light ties electricity, magnetism and optics into a single framework. Because c=1/μ0ε0 depends only on properties of empty space, it is a genuine constant of nature — and its constancy underpins both Maxwell's electromagnetism and Einstein's relativity.
Remember: c=3×108 m/s in vacuum, c=1/μ0ε0, same for all EM waves, and it slows to v=c/n inside a medium.
The speed of light and its derivation from Maxwell's equations, c = 1/√(μ₀ε₀), is covered in the NCERT Class 12 Physics chapter on electromagnetic waves, tested regularly in CBSE boards, JEE Main and NEET. Students searching "speed of light formula and electromagnetic spectrum class 12 physics" will find this permittivity-permeability derivation matches exactly how NCERT presents the topic.
Why this formula?
Speed of Light: Why the Formula Holds
The speed of light (c) is not just a number — it emerges from the fundamental laws of electricity and magnetism. Let's understand why its value is fixed and where the formula comes from.
1. The Core Formula
The speed of light in vacuum is given by:
c=μ0ε01
Where:
- μ0 = permeability of free space (how easily a magnetic field forms)
- ε0 = permittivity of free space (how easily an electric field forms)
2. Why This Formula? — The Derivation
Step 1: Maxwell's Equations
James Clerk Maxwell unified electricity and magnetism into four equations. Two key ones for light:
- Faraday's Law: A changing magnetic field creates an electric field
∇×E=−∂t∂B
- Ampère's Law (with Maxwell's correction): A changing electric field creates a magnetic field
∇×B=μ0ε0∂t∂E
Step 2: The Wave Emerges
Take the curl of Faraday's Law:
∇×(∇×E)=−∂t∂(∇×B)
Using the vector identity ∇×(∇×E)=∇(∇⋅E)−∇2E and noting that in vacuum ∇⋅E=0, we get:
−∇2E=−∂t∂(∇×B)
Now substitute Ampère's Law for ∇×B:
−∇2E=−∂t∂(μ0ε0∂t∂E)
Step 3: The Wave Equation
This simplifies to:
∇2E=μ0ε0∂t2∂2E
This is the wave equation. For any wave, the general form is:
∇2E=v21∂t2∂2E
Comparing the two, the wave speed v must satisfy:
v21=μ0ε0
Hence:
v=μ0ε01
This v is the speed of light — denoted c.
3. Why Is It Constant?
- μ0 and ε0 are fundamental constants of nature — they don't depend on the observer or the source.
- Therefore, c is also a universal constant.
- This was a revolutionary idea: light doesn't need a medium (like "ether") — it's a self-propagating electromagnetic wave.
4. Key Insight for Exams
| Concept | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| c=μ0ε01 | Shows light is an electromagnetic wave |
| No medium needed | Electric and magnetic fields sustain each other |
| c is maximum speed | From special relativity — nothing with mass can reach it |
5. Quick Numerical Check
μ0=4π×10−7H/m
ε0=8.854×10−12F/m
c=(4π×10−7)(8.854×10−12)1≈3.00×108m/s
This matches experiment perfectly — confirming Maxwell's theory.
Bottom line: The speed of light formula isn't arbitrary — it's a direct consequence of how electric and magnetic fields interact. The constants μ0 and ε0 determine how fast this interaction propagates through space.
The key idea is that all electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in vacuum, regardless of wavelength or frequency.
Reasoning:
- X-rays, red light, and radiowaves are all forms of electromagnetic radiation.
- In vacuum, every electromagnetic wave propagates with the speed of light, c=3×108 m/s.
- The wavelength changes across the spectrum, but the speed in vacuum remains invariant.
The physical quantity that is the same for all three is the speed in vacuum, which is 3×108 m/s.
The speed of light in vacuum is the same for all electromagnetic waves, regardless of wavelength — so the common physical quantity is speed, specifically 3×108 m/s.
The question lists three very different electromagnetic waves: X-rays (10−10 m), red light (6800 A˚), and radiowaves (500 m). The wavelengths span an enormous range — from atomic scales to hundreds of metres. Yet all three are fundamentally the same kind of phenomenon: electromagnetic radiation.
The key insight is that all electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in vacuum. This speed, denoted c, is a universal constant of nature. It does not depend on wavelength, frequency, or intensity. Whether it's gamma rays or long radio waves, in empty space they all move at c=3×108 m/s.
A common mistake is to think that frequency or wavelength is the same for all. They are not — each wave has its own frequency and wavelength, related by c=fλ. Only the product fλ is constant (equal to c), not the individual quantities.
Let's verify this step by step.
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Identify the nature of the waves. X-rays, visible light, and radiowaves are all electromagnetic waves. They differ only in wavelength (or frequency), but their physical origin is the same — oscillating electric and magnetic fields propagating through space.
-
Recall the universal constant for electromagnetic waves. In vacuum, Maxwell's equations predict that all electromagnetic waves travel at a speed
c=μ0ϵ01≈3.00×108 m/s.
This is a fundamental constant, independent of the wave's wavelength or frequency.
- Check the relationship between speed, frequency, and wavelength. For any wave,
v=fλ.
For electromagnetic waves in vacuum, v=c, so
c=fλ.
If you know the wavelength, you can find the frequency, but the speed c remains unchanged.
- Apply to the given waves.
- X-rays: λ=10−10 m → f=c/λ≈3×1018 Hz
- Red light: λ=6800 A˚=6800×10−10 m=6.8×10−7 m → f≈4.4×1014 Hz
- Radiowaves: λ=500 m → f≈6×105 Hz The frequencies are wildly different, but the speed is the same c for all three.
You don't need to compute frequencies at all. The moment you recognise that all three are electromagnetic waves in vacuum, the answer is immediate: speed in vacuum is the only quantity that is identical.
In a medium (like glass or water), the speed of light depends on the wavelength — this is called dispersion. But the question does not mention any medium, so we assume propagation in vacuum (or air, which is very close to vacuum for this purpose).
The physical quantity that is the same for all three is the speed in vacuum, which is c=3×108 m/s.
Method: Invariance of Speed of Light in Vacuum
Concept: All electromagnetic waves — regardless of wavelength or frequency — travel at the same speed in vacuum.
Steps
-
Identify the common medium
X-rays, red light, and radiowaves are all electromagnetic waves. Unless specified otherwise, they are assumed to travel in vacuum (or air, which is nearly the same for this purpose).
-
Recall the universal constant
In vacuum, every electromagnetic wave propagates at the speed of light:
c=3×108 m/s
-
Check if any wave is slowed
- X-rays (λ=10−10 m) — travel at c in vacuum.
- Red light (λ=6800 A˚=6.8×10−7 m) — travel at c in vacuum.
- Radiowaves (λ=500 m) — travel at c in vacuum.
No dependence on wavelength — the speed is identical for all.
-
State the answer
The physical quantity that is the same for all three is the speed in vacuum:
3×108 m/s
Why this works (exam tip)
- In vacuum, c=νλ is constant — if wavelength changes, frequency adjusts to keep product constant.
- In a medium, speed changes (e.g., glass slows light), but the frequency remains the same across media — not the speed. Here, since no medium is mentioned, assume vacuum.
Here are the most common mistakes students make on this question, along with the reasoning to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Thinking "Wavelength" or "Frequency" is the Same
- The error: Students see three different wavelengths (10−10 m, 6800 A˚, 500 m) and assume the question is asking for a quantity that is numerically equal for all three. They then try to convert units and compare.
- Why it's wrong: The wavelengths are vastly different. The frequency is also different (since f=c/λ). The question asks for a physical quantity that is identical for all electromagnetic waves, not a numerical value that matches.
- How to avoid: Read the question carefully. It asks: "What physical quantity is the same for X-rays, red light, and radiowaves?" The answer is a property common to all electromagnetic radiation, not a calculation.
Mistake 2: Confusing "Speed" with "Velocity" or Ignoring the Medium
- The error: Some students write "velocity" or "speed in a vacuum" but then get confused if the problem implies air or another medium. They might think speed changes with wavelength.
- Why it's wrong: In a vacuum, all electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed: c=3×108 m/s. In air, the speed is slightly less but still essentially the same for all these waves. The key is that speed does not depend on wavelength or frequency in a given medium.
- How to avoid: Memorise the fundamental property: In a vacuum, the speed of all electromagnetic waves is constant (c). If the medium is not specified, assume vacuum or air, where the speed is the same for all.
Mistake 3: Giving "Frequency" or "Wavelength" as the Answer
- The error: A student might calculate the frequency for one wave and, seeing it's a large number, think it's the same for all. Or they might think "wavelength" is a universal property.
- Why it's wrong: Frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional (f=c/λ). Since the wavelengths given are different, the frequencies are also different. For example:
- X-ray: λ=10−10 m⟹f≈3×1018 Hz
- Red light: λ=6800 A˚=6.8×10−7 m⟹f≈4.4×1014 Hz
- Radiowave: λ=500 m⟹f≈6×105 Hz These are clearly not the same.
- How to avoid: Always check: if the wavelengths are different, the frequencies must be different (in the same medium). The only quantity that remains constant across the entire electromagnetic spectrum is speed in vacuum.
Mistake 4: Forgetting the Unit Conversion for Wavelength
- The error: A student tries to compare the wavelengths numerically without converting all to the same unit (e.g., leaving 6800 A˚ as is and comparing it to 10−10 m).
- Why it's wrong: You cannot compare 6800 with 10−10 directly. 1 A˚=10−10 m, so 6800 A˚=6.8×10−7 m. This is still vastly different from 10−10 m and 500 m.
- How to avoid: Always convert all quantities to SI units (metres) before any comparison or calculation. But in this question, you don't even need to calculate — just recognise the concept.
Mistake 5: Overcomplicating with "Energy" or "Momentum"
- The error: Some students think about photon energy (E=hf) or momentum (p=h/λ) and try to see if those are the same.
- Why it's wrong: Energy and momentum depend on frequency or wavelength. Since the frequencies are different, the energies and momenta are also different.
- How to avoid: Remember that only speed in vacuum is invariant for all electromagnetic waves. Energy, momentum, frequency, and wavelength all change across the spectrum.
✓ The Correct Answer
The physical quantity that is the same for X-rays, red light, and radiowaves is:
Speed in vacuum (or in air).
All electromagnetic waves travel at c=3×108 m/s in vacuum.
Final Answer: Speed
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-AN1 markMCQQ.Coaxial cable, a widely used wire medium offers an approximate frequency bandwidth of (A) 750 GHz (B) 750 Hz (C) 750 MHz (D) 750 kHz
›Reveal solutionSolution
Coaxial cable is a transmission line whose usable bandwidth is typically in the hundreds of megahertz; the correct choice is 750 MHz.
The key here is understanding what "bandwidth" means for a coaxial cable. Unlike an ideal wire that passes all frequencies, a real coaxial cable has frequency-dependent losses (skin effect, dielectric losses) that limit how high a frequency it can carry before the signal becomes too weak or distorted. For standard coaxial cables used in TV, internet, and radio frequency applications, the practical bandwidth is in the megahertz (MHz) range — not kilohertz (too low), not gigahertz (too high for typical long runs), and certainly not hertz (absurdly low).
Let’s reason through the options:
-
Eliminate obviously wrong orders of magnitude.
- 750 Hz is audio frequency — a coaxial cable can easily carry that, but its bandwidth (the range of frequencies it can handle) is far larger. So (B) is wrong.
- 750 kHz is AM radio range — again, too narrow for modern coaxial use. So (D) is wrong.
-
Consider the upper limit.
- 750 GHz is in the terahertz range, far beyond what any conventional coaxial cable can transmit. At such frequencies, the cable acts like a waveguide with severe attenuation. So (A) is unrealistic.
-
Identify the correct range.
- Coaxial cables are commonly used for cable TV, broadband internet, and RF signal distribution. Their bandwidth typically spans from a few MHz up to several hundred MHz (or a few GHz for premium cables like RG-6 or LMR-400).
- 750 MHz is a standard figure: many cable TV systems operate up to around 750 MHz, and common coaxial cables are rated for frequencies up to 1 GHz or more. Thus, 750 MHz is a plausible and widely cited approximate bandwidth.
Watch outA common mistake is to think "coaxial cable can carry anything" and pick the largest number (750 GHz). But real cables have physical limits — skin effect and dielectric losses increase sharply with frequency, making GHz-range transmission only possible over very short distances.
TipIn practice, the bandwidth of a coaxial cable is often given as the frequency at which the attenuation reaches a certain level (e.g., 3 dB per 100 ft). For typical RG-6 cable, that’s around 1 GHz, so 750 MHz is a safe, conservative approximation.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-04-29-AN1 markMCQQ.Klystron valve is used to produce (A) gamma rays (B) X-rays (C) microwaves (D) infrared waves
›Reveal solutionSolution
A klystron valve is a vacuum tube that amplifies or generates high-frequency radio waves by velocity-modulating an electron beam. The correct answer is (C) microwaves.
The klystron works on a beautiful principle: an electron beam is shot through a series of cavities, and its speed is varied (velocity modulation) by an input radio-frequency signal. This causes the electrons to bunch together as they drift, creating a strong, amplified signal at the output cavity. The key is that this process is designed for very high frequencies — specifically, the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Why not the other options? Gamma rays and X-rays are produced by nuclear transitions or high-energy electron collisions with metal targets (like in an X-ray tube), not by velocity modulation in a vacuum tube. Infrared waves are typically generated by thermal sources or LEDs, not by klystrons. The klystron’s cavity dimensions and operating principles are tuned to wavelengths from about 1 mm to 30 cm — that’s the microwave band.
-
Understand the device’s purpose: A klystron is a specialized vacuum tube used as an amplifier or oscillator for radio frequencies. Its design — with resonant cavities and an electron gun — is optimized for frequencies above 1 GHz.
-
Identify the frequency range: The cavities in a klystron have physical dimensions that are comparable to the wavelength of the signal. For practical sizes (a few centimeters to millimeters), the corresponding frequencies fall in the microwave range (300 MHz to 300 GHz). This is far above the frequencies of ordinary radio waves but far below infrared.
-
Eliminate other options:
- (A) Gamma rays: These have wavelengths less than 10⁻¹¹ m and are produced by nuclear decay or particle annihilation. A klystron cannot generate them.
- (B) X-rays: Produced when high-speed electrons strike a metal target (Bremsstrahlung). A klystron’s electrons are deliberately kept from striking the output cavity wall — they are collected gently — so no X-rays are generated.
- (D) Infrared waves: These have wavelengths from about 0.7 µm to 1 mm. While the longest infrared waves (far-infrared) border microwaves, klystrons are not designed for this range; they operate at longer wavelengths (microwaves).
Watch outA common mistake is to confuse a klystron with an X-ray tube because both use an electron beam. The difference is crucial: in an X-ray tube, electrons slam into a metal target, producing X-rays via sudden deceleration. In a klystron, electrons are velocity-modulated and then decelerated gradually in a cavity to transfer energy to the RF field — no hard impact, no X-rays.
- Confirm the application: Klystrons are widely used in radar systems, satellite communication, and particle accelerators — all of which rely on microwave signals. For example, the klystron in a radar transmitter generates powerful pulses at several gigahertz.
✓Final answerThe klystron valve is used to produce microwaves, so the correct option is (C).
-
- TG EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-04-30-FN1 markMCQQ.For a plane electromagnetic wave travelling in free space along X-axis, the magnetic field at a particular point in space is B=2.1×10−8k^ T. The magnitude of the electric field at this point is (A) 0.7 Vm−1 (B) 18.9 Vm−1 (C) 1.7 Vm−1 (D) 6.3 Vm−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
For an electromagnetic wave in free space, the electric and magnetic fields are related by E=cB. Given B=2.1×10−8 T, the electric field magnitude is E=3×108×2.1×10−8=6.3 Vm−1, so option (D) is correct.
The key idea here is that in free space, an electromagnetic wave's electric and magnetic fields are not independent — they are locked together by the speed of light. For a plane wave, the magnitudes satisfy E=cB at every point and instant. This comes directly from Maxwell's equations: in a vacuum, the ratio of the field strengths is fixed by the universal constant c.
Let’s walk through it.
- Recall the fundamental relation. For any electromagnetic wave travelling in free space (or vacuum), the magnitudes of the electric field E and magnetic field B are related by
E=cB
where c=3×108 m/s is the speed of light. This is not an approximation — it follows from the wave solutions of Maxwell’s equations.
- Identify the given data. The magnetic field is given as B=2.1×10−8 k^ T. The direction (k^) tells us the field points along the z-axis, but for magnitude we only need the number:
B=2.1×10−8 T
- Apply the relation. Substitute into E=cB:
E=(3×108)×(2.1×10−8)
Multiply the coefficients: 3×2.1=6.3. Multiply the powers of ten: 108×10−8=100=1. So
E=6.3 Vm−1
- Check the options. The result 6.3 Vm−1 matches option (D) exactly.
Watch outA common mistake is to use E=c/B or forget that c is 3×108, not 3×108 in some other unit. Always verify the units: B in tesla, c in m/s, and E comes out in V/m.
TipIf the wave were in a medium with refractive index n, the relation would become E=vB where v=c/n. But here it’s free space, so n=1 and v=c — the simplest case.
✓Final answerThe magnitude of the electric field is 6.3 Vm−1, which corresponds to option (D).
- TG EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-07-FN1 markMCQQ.The ratio between electric field energy density and magnetic field energy density of an electromagnetic wave, in its region is (c – speed of light in vacuum) (A) 1:1 (B) c:1 (C) 1:c2 (D) 1:c
›Reveal solutionSolution
In an electromagnetic wave in vacuum, the electric and magnetic energy densities are equal at every instant, so their ratio is 1:1, independent of c.
The key concept here is that in a plane electromagnetic wave in vacuum, the electric and magnetic fields are related by E=cB. But energy density depends on the square of the field, and the constants in the formulas exactly cancel this factor. Let’s see why.
-
Recall the energy density formulas
The energy density stored in an electric field is uE=21ε0E2.
The energy density stored in a magnetic field is uB=21μ0B2.
-
Use the wave relation between E and B
For an electromagnetic wave in vacuum, E=cB. Also, c=ε0μ01.
-
Substitute B=E/c into uB
uB=21μ0(E/c)2=21μ0c2E2.
- Replace c2 with 1/(ε0μ0)
uB=21μ0⋅ε0μ01E2=21ε0E2.
- Compare uE and uB
uE=21ε0E2,uB=21ε0E2.
They are identical. So the ratio uE:uB=1:1.
TipA quick check: In any EM wave in vacuum, the fields oscillate in phase and the energy sloshes equally between electric and magnetic forms — that’s why the Poynting vector’s magnitude is c⋅utotal.
Watch outA common mistake is to think E=cB implies uE=c2uB or something similar, forgetting that the constants ε0 and μ0 themselves contain c.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
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- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.The need for modulation is (A) to increase the intensity of audio signal (B) to decrease the intensity of audio signal (C) to transmit audio signal to large distances (D) to increase the frequency of audio signal
›Reveal solutionSolution
Modulation is needed to send audio signals over long distances because low-frequency audio waves cannot travel far on their own; the correct answer is (C).
The core idea is that audio signals (like speech or music) have low frequencies—typically 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Such low-frequency waves do not radiate efficiently from antennas of practical size, and they suffer from severe attenuation over distance. Modulation solves this by “riding” the audio signal onto a high-frequency carrier wave, which can be transmitted far more effectively.
Why not the other options?
- (A) & (B): Modulation does not primarily change the intensity (amplitude) of the audio signal; it can even reduce it. The goal is not to boost loudness.
- (D): Modulation does increase the frequency of the transmitted wave, but that is a means, not the need. The need is to enable long-distance travel, not just to raise frequency for its own sake.
Step-by-step reasoning:
-
Understand the limitation of raw audio signals
Audio frequencies are low. For efficient transmission via an antenna, the antenna length should be comparable to the wavelength (λ=c/f). For a 1 kHz audio signal, λ≈300 km—impractical. Also, low-frequency waves are quickly absorbed by the atmosphere.
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Recognize the purpose of modulation
Modulation shifts the audio signal to a higher frequency band (e.g., radio frequencies). The high-frequency carrier wave can be transmitted with a reasonably sized antenna and travels much farther due to better propagation (e.g., via skywave or line-of-sight).
-
Evaluate each option
- (A) Increase intensity: Modulation does not inherently amplify the audio signal; it only changes its form.
- (B) Decrease intensity: Not the goal; we want to preserve or even improve signal strength at the receiver.
- (C) Transmit to large distances: This is exactly why modulation is used—to overcome the range limitation of baseband audio.
- (D) Increase frequency: While true that the carrier frequency is higher, this is a technique, not the fundamental need. The need is long-distance transmission.
-
Conclude
The primary need for modulation in communication systems is to enable the audio signal to be sent over large distances.
Watch outA common mistake is to pick (D) because modulation does increase frequency. But the question asks for the need (the purpose), not the mechanism. The need is long-distance transmission; frequency increase is how we achieve it.
TipThink of modulation like putting a letter (audio signal) into a fast airplane (carrier wave). The airplane’s speed (high frequency) is what gets the letter far, but the need is to deliver the letter over a long distance—not just to make the airplane fast.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
- TG EAPCET 2021Set ap-2021-08-09-AN1 markMCQQ.Maxwell’s equation are applicable for Electromagnetic waves of (A) All wavelengths (B) Ultraviolet only (C) Visible only (D) Radio waves only
›Reveal solutionSolution
Maxwell’s equations are the fundamental laws of electromagnetism, valid for all electromagnetic phenomena regardless of wavelength — so the correct answer is (A) All wavelengths.
The key idea is that Maxwell’s equations (Gauss’s law, Gauss’s law for magnetism, Faraday’s law, and Ampère’s law with Maxwell’s correction) are universal laws of nature. They describe how electric and magnetic fields are generated and interact, and they predict the existence of electromagnetic waves. These waves can have any frequency or wavelength — from radio waves to gamma rays — and the equations apply equally to all of them.
-
Understand what Maxwell’s equations govern
They are a set of four differential or integral equations that relate electric fields E, magnetic fields B, charge density ρ, and current density J. They do not contain any restriction on wavelength or frequency — they are scale-invariant in that sense.
-
Recall the prediction of electromagnetic waves
Maxwell showed that a changing electric field produces a magnetic field, and a changing magnetic field produces an electric field. This mutual induction allows a self-sustaining wave to travel through space. The wave equation derived from Maxwell’s equations is:
∇2E=μ0ϵ0∂t2∂2E
and similarly for B. The speed of these waves is c=1/μ0ϵ0, which is constant — no wavelength dependence appears.
-
Consider the electromagnetic spectrum
The spectrum includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. All are electromagnetic waves differing only in frequency ν and wavelength λ=c/ν. Maxwell’s equations hold for every single one of them — they are the same physics.
-
Eliminate the incorrect options
- (B) Ultraviolet only: No, because radio waves, visible light, etc., also obey Maxwell’s equations.
- (C) Visible only: Same reasoning — visible light is just a tiny slice of the spectrum.
- (D) Radio waves only: Again, too narrow; the equations apply to all frequencies.
Watch outA common mistake is to think that Maxwell’s equations were historically tested only for visible light (since that’s what was known at the time). But the theory itself makes no such distinction — it predicts all electromagnetic waves, and experiments later confirmed this for radio waves, X-rays, etc.
TipA neat way to remember: Maxwell’s equations are wavelength-agnostic. If they only worked for one band, they wouldn’t be fundamental laws — they’d be special-case approximations.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
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- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-04-AN1 markMCQQ.A signal of 20 kHz is being carried on a carrier wave of 3 MHz. What are the side band frequencies? (A) 3050 kHz & 2950 kHz (B) 3020 kHz & 2970 kHz (C) 3050 kHz & 2980 kHz (D) 3020 kHz & 2980 kHz
›Reveal solutionSolution
In amplitude modulation, the sideband frequencies are the sum and difference of the carrier and signal frequencies. Here, they are 3 MHz±20 kHz, giving 3020 kHz and 2980 kHz.
The core idea is simple: when a low-frequency signal (the message) is superimposed on a high-frequency carrier wave in amplitude modulation, the resulting modulated wave contains three frequency components — the original carrier and two new frequencies called the upper sideband and lower sideband. These sidebands are the carrier frequency plus and minus the signal frequency.
Why does this happen? Mathematically, multiplying a carrier cos(ωct) by a modulating signal (1+mcos(ωmt)) produces terms like cos(ωct)cos(ωmt), which expands to 21[cos((ωc+ωm)t)+cos((ωc−ωm)t)]. So the sidebands appear naturally at fc±fm.
Now let’s apply this to the given numbers.
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Identify the given frequencies.
The carrier frequency is fc=3 MHz. The modulating (signal) frequency is fm=20 kHz.
To avoid unit mismatch, convert everything to kHz: fc=3000 kHz, fm=20 kHz.
-
Compute the upper sideband frequency.
Upper sideband = fc+fm=3000 kHz+20 kHz=3020 kHz.
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Compute the lower sideband frequency.
Lower sideband = fc−fm=3000 kHz−20 kHz=2980 kHz.
-
Match with the options.
The pair (3020 kHz, 2980 kHz) appears exactly in option (D).
Watch outA common mistake is to mix up units — for example, treating 3 MHz as 3 kHz or forgetting to convert. Always work in the same unit (here, kHz) before adding or subtracting.
TipYou don’t need to memorise formulas — just remember: sidebands are carrier ± signal. That’s it. The carrier itself remains unchanged in frequency.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D), with sideband frequencies 3020 kHz and 2980 kHz.
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