Which statement is correct about electromagnetic and mechanical waves?
Responses
Electromagnetic waves move much slower than mechanical waves.
Electromagnetic waves move much slower than mechanical waves.
Electromagnetic waves are transverse, but mechanical waves are longitudinal.
Electromagnetic waves are transverse, but mechanical waves are longitudinal.
Electromagnetic waves occur when charged particles decelerate, but mechanical waves occur when charged particles accelerate.
Electromagnetic waves occur when charged particles decelerate, but mechanical waves occur when charged particles accelerate.
Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum, but mechanical waves need a medium for propagation.
Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum, but mechanical waves need a medium for propagation.
The correct statement is: "Electromagnetic waves are transverse, but mechanical waves are longitudinal."
To determine the correct answer, we need to understand the characteristics of electromagnetic and mechanical waves.
Electromagnetic waves: These waves are formed by the oscillation or vibration of electric and magnetic fields. They can travel through vacuum (such as in space) as well as through different mediums (such as air, water, or solid objects). Examples of electromagnetic waves include radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, visible light, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and gamma rays.
Mechanical waves: These waves are caused by the oscillation or vibration of matter. They require a medium (such as air, water, or solid objects) for propagation. Examples of mechanical waves include sound waves, ocean waves, seismic waves, and waves on a string.
Based on these characteristics, we can determine that electromagnetic waves are transverse, meaning that the direction of wave propagation is perpendicular to the oscillations of the electric and magnetic fields. On the other hand, mechanical waves are longitudinal, meaning that the direction of wave propagation is parallel to the oscillation of the matter.
Therefore, the correct statement is: "Electromagnetic waves are transverse, but mechanical waves are longitudinal."