Electromagnetic Waves: Properties and Interactions

This lecture covers the fundamental aspects of electromagnetic waves, including their propagation, characteristics, and interactions with matter. It begins with the equation of propagation for monochromatic electromagnetic waves and discusses the electromagnetic spectrum, highlighting the visible domain and its significance. The instructor explains the energy of photons in relation to frequency and introduces key concepts such as irradiance, emittance, and solid angle. The lecture further explores the interactions of electromagnetic radiation with surfaces and the atmosphere, categorizing them into elastic and inelastic interactions. The principles of absorption, diffusion, and attenuation are examined, along with their implications for environmental detection. The instructor emphasizes the importance of understanding these interactions for applications in remote sensing and environmental monitoring. The lecture concludes with a discussion on the spectral properties of electromagnetic waves and their relevance in various scientific fields.