Which of the following statements correctly describes a difference between mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves?

Question

A.
Mechanical waves require a medium to travel through, whereas electromagnetic waves can travel through empty space.
B.
Mechanical waves transfer energy, whereas electromagnetic waves only transfer matter.
C.
Electromagnetic waves transfer energy, whereas mechanical waves only transfer matter.
D.
Electromagnetic waves require a medium to travel through, whereas mechanical waves can travel through empty space.

Answer 1

The correct statement that describes a difference between mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves is:

A. Mechanical waves require a medium to travel through, whereas electromagnetic waves can travel through empty space.

Mechanical waves, such as sound waves or water waves, need a material medium (like air, water, or solids) to propagate, while electromagnetic waves (such as light, radio waves, and X-rays) do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum.