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What is electromagnetic radiation?

a) A form of kinetic energy
b) Waves of electric and magnetic fields
c) Nuclear energy emission
d) Sound waves in a vacuum

User Leo Zhu
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy transmitted through waves of electric and magnetic fields, traveling at the speed of light and possessing both wave-like and particle-like properties.

Step-by-step explanation:

Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy that manifests as waves of electric and magnetic fields. It is released by oscillating electric and magnetic disturbances or by the movement of electrically charged particles. These waves travel at the constant speed of light in a vacuum which is 2.998 × 108 m/s. Electromagnetic radiation can be characterized by properties such as its amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and it exhibits both wave-like and particle-like behavior; the latter due to its particle aspect known as photons. The most accurate description of electromagnetic radiation in the provided options would be (b) Waves of electric and magnetic fields. Electromagnetic radiation is essential to life, playing a significant role in processes such as photosynthesis and various technologies involving communication, medical imaging, and cooking, just to mention a few examples.

User Tmagalhaes
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