An electromagnetic wave

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Electromagnetic waves are composed of oscillating magnetic and electric fields. The oscillations of two fields which are perpendicular to each other, and perpendicular to the direction of energy, are known as transverse waves.

This representation of an electromagnetic wave shows its perpendicular electric and magnetic components. The vertical electrical field oscillation is shown here in blue, while the horizontal magnetic field oscillation is shown in green. The direction of motion is indicated by the grey arrow.

Discover more about the behaviour of electromagnetic waves.