A student is exploring mechanical and electromagnetic waves, compiling a list of questions for her investigation into the properties of each wave type. Which of the following questions would NOT aid her in learning about the properties of both mechanical and electromagnetic waves?

Question

A student is exploring mechanical and electromagnetic waves, compiling a list of questions for her investigation into the properties of each wave type. Which of the following questions would NOT aid her in learning about the properties of both mechanical and electromagnetic waves?

(1 point)
• What is the amplitude of the wave?
• What is the frequency of the wave?
• What is the wavelength of the wave?
• What is the wave speed in a vacuum?

Answer 1

"What is the wave speed in a vacuum?" would not aid in learning about the properties of both mechanical and electromagnetic waves because mechanical waves require a medium to travel through, so their speed depends on the properties of that medium. Electromagnetic waves, on the other hand, can travel through a vacuum at the speed of light.