How do electromagnetic waves emit energy?

Question

Hunter Arthur · Accepted Answer

I am not sure "emit" is the right word...I would rather use "carry" energy.

Electromagnetic waves, which include microwaves, X-rays, and visible light, are a means of "projecting" energy from space to space. An example of this can be found in radio waves: an antenna is connected to a resonant circuit, which forces electrons to move back and forth (along the antenna). This creates an electromagnetic wave (EM wave) that transfers the energy required to move the electrons through empty space to another antenna, where the electrons pick up this "radiant energy" and begin to move in sympathy with the first antenna. However, in order to initiate everything, an energy input or generator is required to start the transmitter's electrons moving! In other words, your wave is "just" a means for energy to travel from point A (the transmitter) to point B (the receiver); it's like a taxi for energy! If you are interested in energetic considerations you could have a look at Einstein's Relationship relating the Energy carried by a photon of light to frequency: #E=hf# Check out the concept of Poynting Vector if you're even more intrigued—you'll find it to be pretty intriguing!

Hunter Arthur · Answer

undefined Electromagnetic waves emit energy through oscillating electric and magnetic fields. When charged particles accelerate or decelerate, they create changing electric and magnetic fields, which propagate through space as electromagnetic waves, carrying energy with them.