Question
Draw a labelled diagram of Hertz's experimental set-up to produce electromagnetic waves. Explain the generation of electromagnetic waves using this set-up.
Solution
Hertz's Experiment.
The below figure shows Hertz's experimental set-up used for producing electromagnetic waves.
As seen, two large metal plates P and P' are connected to metal sphere S and S'. The spheres are connected to an induction coil. A sudden high voltage is set-up across the gap, by interrupting current in the induction coils. This high voltage ionises the air in the gap producing oscillating current in the gap SS' and thereby resulting in the production of electromagnetic waves. These waves are detected by detector consisting of a single loop of wire connected to spheres G and G'.
The below figure shows Hertz's experimental set-up used for producing electromagnetic waves.
As seen, two large metal plates P and P' are connected to metal sphere S and S'. The spheres are connected to an induction coil. A sudden high voltage is set-up across the gap, by interrupting current in the induction coils. This high voltage ionises the air in the gap producing oscillating current in the gap SS' and thereby resulting in the production of electromagnetic waves. These waves are detected by detector consisting of a single loop of wire connected to spheres G and G'.
