How does electromagnetic radiation propagate?

Electromagnetic radiation propagates as waves that travel through space at the speed of light.

Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy that is transmitted through space as waves. These waves are created by the movement of electrically charged particles, such as electrons. As the charged particles move, they create a disturbance in the electric and magnetic fields around them, which propagates outwards as a wave.

The waves of electromagnetic radiation are transverse waves, meaning that the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of travel. This is in contrast to longitudinal waves, such as sound waves, where the oscillations are parallel to the direction of travel.

Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum, as they do not require a medium to propagate. This is because the electric and magnetic fields are self-sustaining, and can continue to propagate through space without the need for a physical medium.

The speed of electromagnetic radiation is constant, and is equal to the speed of light in a vacuum. This means that all electromagnetic waves, regardless of their frequency or wavelength, travel at the same speed. This is known as the speed of light constant, and is denoted by the symbol c.

In summary, electromagnetic radiation propagates as waves that travel through space at the speed of light. These waves are transverse in nature, and can travel through a vacuum without the need for a medium.