Question

Question
This table shows information about electromagnetic and mechanical waves.



Which question can be placed in the property column instead of the letter X?

(1 point)
Responses

How are they formed?
How are they formed?

How long are the wavelengths of these waves?
How long are the wavelengths of these waves?

How does this wave transfer matter?
How does this wave transfer matter?

How fast do these waves travel?

Answers

GPT-4o mini
To determine which question fits best in place of letter X under the property column, we need to consider the fundamental differences and similarities between electromagnetic and mechanical waves.

1. **How are they formed?** - This is relevant but doesn't clearly distinguish between the two types of waves.

2. **How long are the wavelengths of these waves?** - This is a property relevant to both types of waves but may not showcase a distinct characteristic that differentiates them.

3. **How does this wave transfer matter?** - This is particularly relevant as it highlights a key distinction: mechanical waves transfer matter (they require a medium), while electromagnetic waves do not.

4. **How fast do these waves travel?** - This question is also relevant but doesn't serve to directly contrast the two types of waves in the same way that the previous option does.

Given these considerations, the best question to place in the property column instead of the letter X is:

**How does this wave transfer matter?**

This question effectively addresses the different properties of electromagnetic and mechanical waves regarding their requirement (or lack thereof) for a medium through which to travel.