Electromagnetic waves (EM waves) MCQs For NEET pdf

Struggling with Electromagnetic Waves MCQ for NEET? Conquer this crucial Class 12 Physics chapter with our free MCQ-packed PDF! Designed for serious NEET/ AIIMS aspirants, this resource features 30+ EM waves questions and answers, including 2018-2025 NEET PYQs with detailed solutions. Covering the entire NCERT syllabus – from displacement current and EM spectrum to Hertz experiments and wave properties – each Electromagnetic Waves MCQ clarifies high-yield concepts like.

Our Electromagnetic Waves PYQ NEET PDF includes topic-wise mock tests with speed-analysis tools, plus memory anchors like “ROYGBIV” for visible light wavelengths. Optimized for offline revision, this print-ready PDF (45 pages) works on any device – perfect for hostel/low-connectivity study sessions. Download your EM Waves MCQs with solutions PDF now to master Maxwell’s equations before finals!

Important Points to remember about EM waves:

• A wave is a disturbance in a medium that transports energy without causing net particle movement. 
• electric current produces magnetic field and that two current-carrying wires exert a magnetic force on each other. 
• The most important prediction to emerge from Maxwell’s equations is the existence of electromagnetic waves, which are (coupled) time-varying electric and magnetic fields that propagate in space. 
• Two characteristics of electromagnetic radiation are particularly important for understanding remote sensing. These are the wavelength and frequency. 
• Electromagnetic waves carry energy as they travel through space and this energy is shared equally by the electric and magnetic fields.
•  Electromagnetic waves transport momentum as well. 
• When these waves strike a surface, a pressure is exerted on the surface. If total energy transferred to a surface in time t is U, total momentum delivered to this surface is p = U/c. 
• The spectrum of electromagnetic waves stretches, in principle, over an infinite range of wavelengths. 
• Different regions are known by different names; γ-rays, X-rays, ultraviolet rays, visible rays, infrared rays, microwaves and radio waves in order of increasing wavelength from 10–2 Å or 10–12 m to 106m.

MCQs On Electromagnetic Waves for NEET pdf

Here we prepared a comprehensive Electromagnetic Waves MCQ for NEET Pdf form. These MCQ question on Electromagnetic Waves Class 12 chapter 8  for NEET are based on questions asked in different medical entrance exam like AIIMS, JIPMER, and NEET and other state level medical entrance exam. All Electromagnetic Waves MCQs NEET Questions and Answers in the given below are prepared from previous year papers of all most all entrance exam. We have prepared Electromagnetic Waves (EM waves) MCQs NEET previous year Questions separately. Take a Look Below:

1. If there were no atmosphere, the average temperature on earth surface would be________
(a) lower
(b) higher
(c) same
(d) 0° C
Answer: a
Explanation: The atmosphere traps heat via the greenhouse effect. Without it, much of the heat would escape into space. Hence, Earth would be significantly colder.

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2. In which part of earth’s atmosphere is the ozone layer present ?
(a) troposphere
(b) stratosphere
(c) ionosphere
(d) mesosphere
Answer: b
Explanation: The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, typically 10–50 km above Earth. It absorbs harmful UV rays. Thus, it protects living organisms.

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3. The ozone layer is earth’s atmosphere is crucial for human survival because it________
(a) contains ions
(b) reflects radio signals
(c) reflects ultraviolet rays
(d) reflects infra red rays
Answer: c
Explanation: The ozone layer absorbs and blocks harmful UV-B and UV-C rays. Without this protection, skin cancers and crop damage would rise. So, it is vital.

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4. The frequency from 3 × 10⁹ Hz to 3 × 10¹⁰ Hz is __________
(a) high frequency band
(b) super high frequency band
(c) ultra high frequency band
(d) very high frequency band
Answer: b
Explanation: Frequencies from 3 GHz to 30 GHz are termed Super High Frequency (SHF). These are used in radar, satellites, and microwave ovens. Hence, SHF is correct.

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5. The frequency from 3 MHz to 30 MHz is known as_________
(a) audio band
(b) medium frequency band
(c) very high frequency band
(d) high frequency band
Answer: d
Explanation: 3 MHz to 30 MHz lies in the high frequency (HF) band. It’s used in shortwave radio and marine communication. Audio band lies much lower.

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6. Select wrong statement from the following for EMW___________
(a) are transverse
(b) travel with same speed in all medium
(c) travel with the speed of light
(d) are produced by accelerating charge
Answer: b
Explanation: EM waves travel at different speeds in different media. They only travel at speed of light in vacuum. Hence, option b is incorrect.

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7. The waves related to tele-communication are___________
(a) infrared
(b) visible light
(c) microwaves
(d) ultraviolet rays
Answer: c
Explanation: Microwaves are used in mobile communication and satellite transmission. Their frequencies efficiently transmit over long distances. Thus, they are ideal.

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8. The nature of electromagnetic wave is________
(a) longitudinal
(b) longitudinal stationary
(c) transverse
(d) transverse stationary
Answer: c
Explanation: EM waves have perpendicular electric and magnetic fields. Both fields are transverse to the direction of propagation. Hence, they are transverse in nature.

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9. What is the cause of greenhouse effect ?
(a) Infrared rays
(b) Ultraviolet rays
(c) X-rays
(d) Radio waves
Answer: a
Explanation: Infrared rays emitted from Earth’s surface are trapped by greenhouse gases. This causes warming of the lower atmosphere. Thus, IR is responsible.

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10. The conduction current is the same as displacement current when source is_______
(a) ac only
(b) dc only
(c) both ac and dc
(d) neither dc nor ac
Answer: c
Explanation: Maxwell showed that displacement current equals conduction current in both AC and DC circuits. This ensured continuity of current in capacitors.

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11. For a wave propagating in a medium, identify the property that is independent of the others___________
(a) Velocity
(b) Wavelength
(c) Frequency
(d) All these depend on each other
Answer: c
Explanation: Frequency is determined by the source and remains constant in all media. Wavelength and velocity may change. Hence, frequency is independent.

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12. Which wavelength of the Sun is used finally as electric energy ?
(a) Radio waves
(b) IR waves
(c) Visible light
(d) Microwaves
Answer: b
Explanation: IR rays heat up solar panels and can be converted to electricity using thermoelectric systems. These wavelengths carry thermal energy. Hence, IR is correct.

13. The condition under which a microwave oven heats up a food item containing water molecules most efficiently is___________
(a) Infra-red waves produce heating in a microwave oven
(b) The frequency of the microwaves must match the resonant frequency of the water molecules
(c) The frequency of the microwaves has no relation with natural frequency of water molecules
(d) Microwaves are heat waves, so always produce heating
Answer: b
Explanation: Microwaves around 2.45 GHz match the natural frequency of water molecules. This causes rapid rotation, generating heat. That’s how food is heated.

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14. The sun delivers 10³ W/m² of electromagnetic flux to the earth’s surface. The total power that is incident on a roof of dimensions 8 m × 20 m, will be___________
(a) 6.4 × 10³W
(b) 3.4 × 10⁴W
(c) 1.6 × 10⁵ W
(d) none of these
Answer: c
Explanation: Power = 1000 × (8 × 20) = 160000 W = 1.6 × 10⁵ W. This represents solar power on a 160 m² roof. Useful in solar panel design.

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15. In the above problem, the radiation force on the roof will be__________
(a) 3.33 × 10⁻⁵ N
(b) 5.33 × 10⁻⁴ N
(c) 7.33 × 10⁻³ N
(d) 9.33 × 10⁻² N
Answer: b
Explanation: Radiation pressure = I/c = 1000/3×10⁸ = 3.33×10⁻⁶ N/m². Force = Pressure × Area = 3.33×10⁻⁶ × 160 = 5.33×10⁻⁴ N.

Read: MCQ on Stationary waves for NEET | Class 12

16. Which of the following statement is false for the properties of electromagnetic waves ?
(a) These waves do not require any material medium for propagation
(b) Both electric and magnetic field vectors attain the maxima and minima at the same place and same time
(c) The energy in electromagnetic wave is divided equally between electric and magnetic vectors
(d) Both electric and magnetic field vectors are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave
Answer: d
Explanation: E and B fields are perpendicular to each other and to wave direction. They are never parallel. So, option d is false.

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17. The energy of the EM waves is of the order of 15 keV. To which part of the spectrum does it belong?
(a) γ-rays
(b) X-rays
(c) Infra-red rays
(d) Ultraviolet rays
Answer: b
Explanation: X-rays lie in energy range of ~100 eV to 100 keV. 15 keV fits in this range. Hence, it belongs to X-rays.

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18. Greenhouse effect keeps the earth surface _______
(a) cold at night
(b) dusty and cold
(c) warm at night
(d) moist
Answer: c
Explanation: Greenhouse gases trap outgoing infrared radiation. This maintains warmth at night. Without it, nights would be freezing cold.

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19. A laser beam is of 9 mW, diameter = 2 mm. Then what is the amplitude of magnetic field associated with it ?
(a) 49 µT
(b) 98 µT
(c) 9.8 µT
(d) 4.9 µT
Answer: d
Explanation: Use I = (c/2μ₀)B² to calculate B. Solving gives B ≈ 4.9 µT. This small field exists even in low-power lasers.

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20. The intensity of sun on earth is 1400 W/m². Assuming earth to be a black body, calculate radiation pressure ?
(a) 4.66 × 10⁶ N/m²
(b) 1.4 × 10⁻⁶ N/m²
(c) 4.66 × 10⁻⁶ N/m²
(d) 7 × 10⁻⁶ N/m²
Answer: c
Explanation: Pressure = I/c = 1400 / 3×10⁸ = 4.66 × 10⁻⁶ N/m². This confirms that EM waves carry momentum and exert force.

21. In EMW, E = 50 sin (wt-kx). If μ = 4μ₀ and ε = ε₀ then average power per unit area is_______________
(a) 1.65 W/m²
(b) 165 W/m²
(c) 16.5 W/m²
(d) 0.165 W/m²
Answer: a
Explanation: Average power = (E₀²/2μv), where v = 1/√(με). Substituting E₀ = 50, μ = 4μ₀, ε = ε₀ gives power ≈ 1.65 W/m². Hence, a is correct.

22. The pressure exerted by an electromagnetic wave of intensity I W/m² on a non-reflecting surface is_____________
(a) Ic
(b) Ic²
(c) I/c
(d) I/c²
Answer: c
Explanation: Radiation pressure = Intensity/speed of light = I/c for perfect absorption. For reflection, it would be 2I/c. So, c is correct.

23. A plane electromagnetic wave of frequency 40 MHz travels in free space in the X-direction. At some point and at some instant, the electric field Er has its maximum value of 750 N/C in Y-direction. The wavelength of the wave is ____________
(a) 3.5 m
(b) 5.5 mm
(c) 7.5 m
(d) 9.5 m
Answer: c
Explanation: λ = c/f = 3×10⁸ / 40×10⁶ = 7.5 m. This gives the wavelength of the wave in vacuum. So, c is the correct option.

24. Which of the following can be used to produce a propagating electromagnetic wave?
(a) Charge moving at a constant speed
(b) Chargeless particle
(c) Stationary charge
(d) An accelerating charge
Answer: d
Explanation: Accelerating charges produce changing electric and magnetic fields. These time-varying fields generate EM waves. Hence, d is correct.

25. The ratio of the amplitude of the magnetic field to the amplitude of the electric field for electromagnetic wave propagation in a vacuum is equal to_____________
(a) Unity
(b) Speed of light in vacuum
(c) Reciprocal of the speed of light in vacuum
(d) The ratio of magnetic permeability to electrical susceptibility in a vacuum
Answer: c
Explanation: The ratio B₀/E₀ = 1/c in vacuum. It shows the relation between electric and magnetic fields. Hence, c is correct.

26. Which property among the following is false about electromagnetic waves?
(a) The energy in an electromagnetic wave is divided equally between electric and magnetic vectors.
(b) Both electric and magnetic field vectors are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.
(c) These waves do not require any material medium for propagation.
(d) Both electric and magnetic field vectors attain the maxima and minima at the same place and the same time.
Answer: b
Explanation: E and B fields are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave travel. So, option b is false.

27. Modern EDM uses which among the following waves?
(a) Visible rays
(b) Thermal infra-red
(c) Modulated infra-red
(d) Radio waves
Answer: c
Explanation: Modern Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) systems use modulated IR waves. These offer higher precision and safety. Hence, option c is correct.

28. The distance in EDM is measured by______________
(a) Frequency of the wave
(b) Wave length
(c) Phase difference
(d) Amplitude
Answer: c
Explanation: EDM systems measure the phase difference between emitted and reflected waves. This allows accurate distance calculation. So, phase difference is correct.

29. Electromagnetic waves are represented in which of the following format?
(a) Longitudinal waves
(b) Transverse waves
(c) Sinusoidal waves
(d) Surface waves
Answer: c
Explanation: EM waves are mathematically represented as sinusoidal variations of electric and magnetic fields. Hence, sinusoidal waves is correct.

30. Which of the following represents the correct sequence for the basis of EDM propagation?
(a) Propagation, generation, reflection and reception
(b) Generation, reception, reflection and propagation
(c) Generation, propagation, reception and reflection
(d) Generation, propagation, reflection and reception
Answer: d
Explanation: The correct order in EDM is: wave generation → propagation → reflection from target → reception. So, option d is the correct one.

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