Which property is unique to electromagnetic waves?
A.) They can shake structures on Earth.
B.) They can be controlled by the pull of gravity.
C.) They can travel on the surface of water.
D.) They can travel through a vacuum.
Answer: D. They can travel through a vacuum.
The correct answer is A) They can shake structures on Earth.
The property that is unique to electromagnetic waves is option A.) They can shake structures on Earth.
To understand why this property is unique to electromagnetic waves, let's first discuss what electromagnetic waves are. Electromagnetic waves are a form of energy that consist of vibrating electric and magnetic fields. They are generated by the acceleration of electric charges and can travel through a vacuum or a medium such as air or water.
Now, let's analyze the other options:
B.) They can be controlled by the pull of gravity: This option is incorrect because electromagnetic waves are not affected by gravity. The interaction between electromagnetic waves and gravity is negligible in most situations. For example, the path of light from distant stars is mostly unaffected by the gravitational pull of celestial bodies.
C.) They can travel on the surface of water: This option is also incorrect. While some types of waves, such as water waves or sound waves, can travel on the surface of water, electromagnetic waves cannot. Electromagnetic waves do not rely on a physical medium to propagate and can travel through empty space.
Therefore, option A.) They can shake structures on Earth, is the correct answer. Electromagnetic waves can indeed interact with matter and cause it to vibrate. This property is extensively utilized in technologies such as radio communication, microwave ovens, and cell phones.