All electromagnetic waves share several fundamental characteristics that define their behavior and properties. Firstly, they all travel at the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (or about 186,282 miles per second). This consistent speed is a cornerstone of electromagnetic theory.
Secondly, electromagnetic waves are transverse waves, which means their oscillations occur perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. This is evident in how the electric and magnetic fields oscillate in relation to each other and to the direction of the wave’s travel.
Moreover, all electromagnetic waves can propagate through a vacuum, unlike sound waves that require a medium to travel through. This property allows them to traverse the vastness of space, enabling everything from radio communications to visible light reaching Earth from the Sun.
Finally, electromagnetic waves encompass a wide spectrum of wavelengths and frequencies, ranging from radio waves at one end to gamma rays at the other. Despite this diversity, they all share the same fundamental mechanisms of generation and interaction with matter, governed by the principles of electrodynamics.