Electromagnetic Waves and Their Properties

What is a fundamental difference between electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves?

• Electromagnetic waves require a medium for propagation, while mechanical waves do not.

• Mechanical waves are always longitudinal, while electromagnetic waves are always transverse.

• Electromagnetic waves can transmit energy through a vacuum, whereas mechanical waves require a medium.

• Mechanical waves have a constant speed in all media, unlike electromagnetic waves.

Which statement accurately describes the nature of electromagnetic waves?

• They are longitudinal waves where oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.

• They consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are parallel to each other.

• They are transverse waves with electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation.

• They require a physical medium to propagate and transfer energy.

As one moves from radio waves towards gamma rays in the electromagnetic spectrum, what happens to the wavelength, frequency, and energy of the waves?

• Wavelength increases, frequency decreases, and energy decreases.

• Wavelength decreases, frequency increases, and energy increases.

• Wavelength and frequency both increase, while energy remains constant.

• Wavelength and energy increase, while frequency decreases.

What are the primary components that oscillate in an electromagnetic wave?

• Only electric fields.

• Only magnetic fields.

• Both electric and magnetic fields.

• Sound waves and light waves.