Electromagnetic waves and charge sources

[Schreiberdk]

Hi PF

Are there an interaction between an electromagnetic wave and a charge source? For example, does an electromagnetic wave get attracted by a charge source, the same way the Earth attracts the moon? Or is something else going on?

 

[Bloodthunder]

Nope. The electric and magnetic waves in the EM wave are entwined together and can't be separated. So they don't affect the charged particle at all.

This is different from photoionization and all that, where the atom will be affected when there is an em source, exciting an electron to a higher energy state. Still doesn't affect how the electron is though.

 

[Schreiberdk]

But would the EM-waves be affected by any kind of friction, when they move through a material or an electric or magnetic field? Would their path or velocity be changed?

 

[Bloodthunder]

Friction?

fric·tion/ˈfrikSHən/Noun
1. The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another.
2. The action of one surface or object rubbing against another.

So... No, light doesn't have any friction.

EM waves do get affected when they move through different materials though. Refraction? =)
And no to electric and no to magnetic.

 

[sardar]

Yes, there is definitely an interaction between electromagnetic waves and charge sources. This interaction is described by Maxwell's equations, which explain the behavior of electromagnetic fields and their interaction with charged particles. Electromagnetic waves are created by accelerating charges, and they carry energy and momentum that can exert a force on charged particles. This force can cause the charged particles to move or be attracted towards the source of the electromagnetic wave, similar to how the Earth's gravitational force attracts objects towards it. However, it is important to note that this interaction is not exactly the same as gravitational attraction, as it is mediated by the electromagnetic field rather than the force of gravity. Additionally, the strength of this interaction depends on the properties of the charge source, such as its charge and distance from the electromagnetic wave, as well as the frequency and intensity of the wave itself. Overall, the interaction between electromagnetic waves and charge sources is a fundamental aspect of electromagnetism and plays a crucial role in many natural phenomena and technological applications.