Question

which physical constant gives the relationship between the amplitudes of the electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave?

Answer 1

The speed of light (c) in a vacuum, approximately
`\(3.00 * 10^8\)` m/s, is a physical constant that establishes the relationship between the amplitudes of electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave through Maxwell's equations.

The physical constant that gives the relationship between the amplitudes of the electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave is the speed of light (c).

The relationship is described by Maxwell's equations, and it's expressed as:

`\[ c = (1)/(√(\varepsilon_0 \mu_0)) \]`

where:

- c is the speed of light in a vacuum,

-
`\( \varepsilon_0 \)` is the permittivity of free space (electric constant),

-
`\( \mu_0 \)` is the permeability of free space (magnetic constant).

In a vacuum, the speed of light is approximately
`\( 3.00 * 10^8 \)` meters per second, and the relationship between the electric and magnetic field amplitudes in an electromagnetic wave is determined by the vacuum permittivity and permeability.