Which type of wave can travel through a vacuum?
A.) seismic
B.) mechanical
C.) light
D.) sound
The type of wave that can travel through a vacuum is option C) light.
The correct answer is C.) light.
To determine which type of wave can travel through a vacuum, we need to understand the nature of waves. Waves are classified into two main categories: mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves.
A.) Seismic waves are mechanical waves that are generated by earthquakes or other seismic activities. They require a medium, such as solid, liquid, or gas, to travel through. They cannot propagate through a vacuum, so seismic waves cannot travel through it.
B.) Mechanical waves, like seismic waves, require a medium to travel through. Examples of mechanical waves include sound waves, water waves, and seismic waves. Since a vacuum is devoid of any medium, mechanical waves cannot travel through it.
C.) Light is an electromagnetic wave. Unlike mechanical waves, electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to travel through; hence, they can propagate through a vacuum. This is why we can see light from distant stars even though the vastness of outer space is a vacuum.
D.) Sound waves are mechanical waves that travel through a medium, such as air, water, or solids. Since a vacuum is devoid of any medium, sound waves cannot travel through it.
Therefore, the correct answer is C.) light.