Question

Read the passage and answer the following question(s).



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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During an earthquake, energy is released through seismic waves. There are two types of seismic waves. Primary waves, or P-waves, can travel through a solid, liquid, or gas. Secondary waves, or S-waves, can travel only through solids.



Which statement best classifies P-waves and S-waves?


Both waves are mechanical waves.


Both waves are electromagnetic waves.


S-waves are mechanical waves, while P-waves are electromagnetic waves.


P-waves are mechanical waves, while S-waves are electromagnetic waves.

Answer 1

Both waves are mechanical waves.

Reason: Seismic P- and S-waves require a material medium (travel through solids, liquids, or gases in the case of P-waves) and are forms of mechanical waves (P-waves are longitudinal, S-waves are transverse).