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2016•IEEE Antennas and Propagation MagazineRequires access

Analysis of Hertz's Experimentum Crucis on Electromagnetic Waves [Historical Corner]

G.S. Smith

Open publisher page 10 citations

Abstract

In this article, we examine one of Heinrich Hertz's (1857-1894) experiments: a measurement for the interference of electromagnetic waves in air (the experimentum crucis). This experiment showed, for the first time, that electromagnetic waves exist in free space and travel with finite velocity, as predicted by Maxwell's equations. To carry out the experiment, Hertz invented the first transmitter and receiver of radio waves. We use results from theoretical analysis to explain the physics behind his apparatus-how it worked. Our comparison of the theoretical results with his measurements shows the accomplishments as well as the limitations of the latter. We also describe the role of his contemporaries in providing explanations for his results and repeating and improving his measurements.

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What this paper is about

In this article, we examine one of Heinrich Hertz's (1857-1894) experiments: a measurement for the interference of electromagnetic waves in air (the experimentum crucis). This experiment showed, for the first time, that electromagnetic waves exist in free space and travel with finite velocity, as predicted by Maxwell's equations. To carry out the experiment, Hertz invented the first transmitter and receiver of radio waves. We use results from theoretical analysis to explain the physics behind his apparatus-how it worked. Our comparison of the theoretical results with his measurements shows the accomplishments as well as the limitations of the latter. We also describe the role of his contemporaries in providing explanations for his results and repeating and improving his measurements.

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OpenAlex reports 10 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

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Available abstract

In this article, we examine one of Heinrich Hertz's (1857-1894) experiments: a measurement for the interference of electromagnetic waves in air (the experimentum crucis). This experiment showed, for the first time, that electromagnetic waves exist in free space and travel with finite velocity, as predicted by Maxwell's equations. To carry out the experiment, Hertz invented the first transmitter and receiver of radio waves. We use results from theoretical analysis to explain the physics behind his apparatus-how it worked. Our comparison of the theoretical results with his measurements shows the accomplishments as well as the limitations of the latter. We also describe the role of his contemporaries in providing explanations for his results and repeating and improving his measurements.

Key concepts: Hertz, Electromagnetic radiation, Transmitter, Physics, Interference (communication), Electromagnetic interference, Radio wave, Wave propagation

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