Types of Waves

Waves are categorized by:

*whether or not they require a medium to move through (EM vs mechanical) OR

*how the particles move in relation to the movement of the wave (transverse vs longitudinal).

A wave that requires a medium to move through is called a

(NOTE: Take time to study the chart before answering.)

• longitudinal wave

• transverse wave

• mechanical wave

• electromagnetic wave

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All waves carry

• light

• energy

• particles

• matter

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Which type of wave does NOT require a medium to travel?

• mechanical wave

• electromagnetic wave

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A sound wave is an example of what type of wave?

• electromagnetic wave

• mechanical wave

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A microwave is an example of what type of wave?

• electromagnetic wave

• mechanical wave

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A light wave is an example of what type of wave?

• electromagnetic wave

• mechanical wave

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How are Electromagnetic waves different from Mechanical waves?

• EM waves have very short wavelengths

• EM waves can change direction by reflection

• EM waves can travel through the vacuum of space (without particles)

• EM waves transmit energy instead of matter

. Which of the following is NOT an electromagnetic wave?

• . Infrared

• Sound

• X ray

• Radio

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

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

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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

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