Compare Contrast Mechanical and Electromagnetic Waves

Which type of waves must have a medium in order to travel?

• electromagnetic wave

• mechanical wave

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

• electromagnetic wave

• mechanical wave

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

All waves carry

• energy
• light 
• matter
• particles

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

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
• electromagnetic wave
• mechanical wave

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

• electromagnetic wave

• mechanical wave

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

A microwave is an example of what type of wave?

• electromagnetic wave

• mechanical wave

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

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

• electromagnetic wave

• mechanical wave

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

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

• electromagnetic wave

• mechanical wave

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

An x-ray is an example of what type of wave?

• electromagnetic wave

• mechanical wave

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

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

• electromagnetic wave

• mechanical wave

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2