Question

Explain in detail the experimental setup of the hertz experiment? How did it generate an electromagnetic wave?

Answer 1

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