Which of the following is true about electromagnetic waves?

Which of the following is true about electromagnetic waves?

• A. They can only travel through a vacuum
• B. They require a medium to propagate
• C. They include both magnetic and electric parts
• D. They travel slower than sound waves

Answer: (C)

Electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and also to the direction of wave propagation. This dual nature enables them to carry energy and information through space. The electric and magnetic components of these waves allow them to propagate without the need for a physical medium, which distinguishes them from mechanical waves like sound, which do require a medium (such as air, water, or solids) to travel. While it may be true that some waves require a medium (as sound does), electromagnetic waves are unique in that they can move through the vacuum of space, such as sunlight reaching Earth from the Sun. They also travel at an incredible speed of approximately 299,792 kilometers per second in a vacuum, which is significantly faster than the speed of sound in air, around 343 meters per second. Therefore, the assertion that electromagnetic waves include both magnetic and electric parts accurately reflects their fundamental properties.

Electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and also to the direction of wave propagation. This dual nature enables them to carry energy and information through space. The electric and magnetic components of these waves allow them to propagate without the need for a physical medium, which distinguishes them from mechanical waves like sound, which do require a medium (such as air, water, or solids) to travel.

While it may be true that some waves require a medium (as sound does), electromagnetic waves are unique in that they can move through the vacuum of space, such as sunlight reaching Earth from the Sun. They also travel at an incredible speed of approximately 299,792 kilometers per second in a vacuum, which is significantly faster than the speed of sound in air, around 343 meters per second.

Therefore, the assertion that electromagnetic waves include both magnetic and electric parts accurately reflects their fundamental properties.