Asked by KJ

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Electromagnetic Waves and Mechanical Waves



Two categories of waves that transmit energy are electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves. Electromagnetic waves include the radiations found on the electromagnetic spectrum. Electromagnetic waves only travel through transverse waves. Each of the electromagnetic radiations can travel through a medium and through a vacuum, such as outer space. The electromagnetic spectrum is shown.



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Mechanical waves travel through either transverse or longitudinal waves and require a medium to travel. The characteristics of longitudinal waves and transverse waves are shown.



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Sound energy can travel through a solid, liquid, or gas. Sound cannot travel through space. Which statement best describes a sound wave?


It is a mechanical wave because it can travel through a vacuum and through a medium.


It is a mechanical wave because it can travel through a medium but not through a vacuum.


It is an electromagnetic wave because it can travel through a vacuum and through a medium.


It is an electromagnetic wave because it can travel through a medium but not through a vacuum.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
It is a mechanical wave because it can travel through a medium but not through a vacuum.

Sound requires a material medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate, so it is mechanical, not electromagnetic.