Physics Module 7 Matrix

Question 1

What impact did Hertz’ results have on our understanding of light?

Answer 1

Hertz’ results supported Maxwell’s conclusions that light is a transverse electromagnetic wave.

Question 2

How did Hertz demonstrate that the radio wave was transverse and not a longitudinal wave?

Answer 2

Hertz’s results supported Maxwell’s conclusions that light is a transverse wave by demonstrating that the wave could be polarised.

He found that he only detected sparks in his receiving antenna when the gap of the antenna was parallel to the gap of the transmitted antenna.