Mechanical vs Electromagnetic

How do electromagnetic and mechanical waves compare?

• Mechanical waves can only travel through a vacuum, but electromagnetic waves can travel through a solid, liquid, or gas.

• Mechanical waves can travel through a solid, liquid, or gas, but electromagnetic waves can only travel through a gas.

• Mechanical waves can only travel through a solid, liquid, or gas, but electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum.

• Mechanical waves can travel through a solid, liquid, or gas, but electromagnetic waves can only travel through a solid.

A student asks a series of questions about a wave. The answer to which question will allow the student to determine whether the wave is electromagnetic or mechanical?

• Does it require a medium in order to travel?

• Can it pass through air and water?

• Does it have a measurable speed?

• Does it have a measurable frequency?

Sound waves are (choose all correct answers)

• mechanical waves

• longitudinal waves

• electromagnetic waves

• radio waves

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which are properties of a mechanical wave?

• can be longitudinal or transverse

• can move through space

• must have matter to move

• carries energy

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Which of these types of waves is an electromagnetic wave? (choose all of the correct answers)

• visible light waves

• mechanical waves

• infrared waves

• sound waves

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

At which point is the Wavelength located?

• A

• C

• D

• E

• F

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

At which point is the Crest located?

• A

• C

• D

• E

• F

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Which of the following is a key difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves?

• Mechanical waves require a medium to travel, while electromagnetic waves do not.

• Electromagnetic waves require a medium to travel, while mechanical waves do not.

• Both require a medium to travel.

• Neither require a medium to travel.

What type of wave is sound?

• Electromagnetic wave

• Mechanical wave

• Transverse wave

• Radio wave

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which of the following can travel through a vacuum?

• Sound waves

• Water waves

• Electromagnetic waves

• Seismic waves