A student is investigating two types of waves. Which question can the student ask to determine whether a wave is electromagnetic?
Responses
A. Can the wave travel through a vacuum?
B. Can the wave travel through a gas?
C. Can the wave travel through a solid?
D. Can the wave travel through a liquid?
E. Is the wave made up of electric and magnetic fields?
E isn't an option
A.
Good grief answered !
Only an electromagnetic wave does not need matter to propagate through or along. Photons zoom through space.
The student can ask the question: "Can the wave travel through a vacuum?" to determine whether a wave is electromagnetic.
Explanation:
Electromagnetic waves are a type of wave that can travel through a vacuum, which is an empty space devoid of any matter. Unlike mechanical waves, such as sound waves or water waves, electromagnetic waves do not require a medium (like air, water, or a solid) to propagate. They can travel through empty space, as well as through gases, liquids, and solids. This unique property of being able to travel through a vacuum distinguishes electromagnetic waves from other types of waves. Therefore, if a wave is able to travel through a vacuum, it is very likely to be an electromagnetic wave.