Mechanical vs Electromagnetic Wave

Which is true of a mechanical wave?

• It must have a medium

• It must travel in empty space.

• It can travel in a vacuum.

• Both sound and light are examples.

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

• electromagnetic wave

• mechanical wave

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

Drag the statement to the proper place on the Venn diagram about waves.

e

f

g

h

d

c

b

a

only transverse waves

transverse or longitudinal

example: sound waves

transfers energy only

must have a medium

includes visible light

travel at speed of light

go through a vacuum

Tags

PS.6.a

PS.6.b

PS.6.d

What type of wave is this?

• Electromagnetic

• Mechancial

• Both Electromagnetic and Mechanical

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

What type of wave is this?

• Electromagnetic

• Mechanical

• Both Electromagnetic and Mechanical

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

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

• electromagnetic wave

• mechanical wave

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