Electromagnetic vs Mechanical Waves

Front

What are electromagnetic waves?

Back

Waves that can travel through a vacuum and do not require a medium, such as light and radio waves.

Front

What are mechanical waves?

Back

Waves that require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through, such as sound waves.

Front

How does the speed of sound compare to the speed of light?

Back

Sound travels slower than light.

Front

Can light travel without a medium?

Back

Yes, light can travel through a vacuum without a medium.

Front

What happens to light waves when they move from a less dense medium to a denser medium?

Back

They slow down.

Front

In which medium do light waves travel the fastest?

Back

In a vacuum.

Front

What is the relationship between the density of a medium and the speed of sound?

Back

Sound travels slower in denser media.

Front

What is a vacuum?

Back

A space that is completely empty of matter, allowing electromagnetic waves to travel freely.

Front

Give an example of a mechanical wave.

Back

Sound wave.

Front

What is the main difference between electromagnetic and mechanical waves?

Back

Electromagnetic waves do not need a medium, while mechanical waves do.