Question

A slinky can be used to create two different types of waves.



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Which is a similarity between a mechanical wave demonstrated with a slinky and an electromagnetic wave?



A.
Transverse mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves both have crests and troughs.

B.
Longitudinal mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves both have crests and troughs.

C.
Transverse mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves both have compressions and rarefactions.

D.
Longitudinal mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves both have compressions and rarefactions.

Answer 1

A. Transverse mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves both have crests and troughs.

Explanation: Electromagnetic waves are transverse (fields oscillate perpendicular to the direction of travel) and can be drawn with crests and troughs. Compressions and rarefactions are features of longitudinal waves (like the slinky pushed/pulled), not transverse EM waves.