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

Question

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

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

Mechanical waves, such as sound waves and water waves, need a material medium (like air, water, or solid substances) to propagate. In contrast, electromagnetic waves (such as light, radio waves, and X-rays) can move through a vacuum or empty space without the need for a medium.