Question

Which of the following statements are true regarding electromagnetic waves traveling through a vacuum? (Select all that apply.) All waves have the same wavelength. All waves have the same frequency. All waves travel at 3.00 108 m/s. The electric and magnetic fields associated with the waves are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation. The speed of the waves depends on their frequency.

Answer 1

option C and D

Step-by-step explanation:

Electromagnetic waves can travel in vacuum as well as in a medium. The different waves have different frequency and wavelength but have same speed in vacuum (3.00 x 10⁸ m/s).

These waves carry the energy via oscillating electric and magnetic fields. The electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to each other and to the direction of motion of the wave.

Answer 2

Correct choices:

- All waves travel at 3.00 108 m/s.

- The electric and magnetic fields associated with the waves are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's analyze each statement:

- All waves have the same wavelength. --> FALSE. Electromagnetic waves have a wide range of wavelengths, from less than 10 picometers (gamma rays) to hundreds of kilometers (radio waves)

- All waves have the same frequency. --> FALSE. As for the wavelength, electromagnetic waves have a wide range of frequencies also.

- All waves travel at 3.00 108 m/s. --> TRUE. This value is called speed of light, and it is one of the fundamental constant: it is the value of the speed of all electromagnetic waves in a vacuum.

- The electric and magnetic fields associated with the waves are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation. --> TRUE. Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves, which means that their oscillations (represented by the electric field and the magnetic field) occurs perpendicularly to the direction of motion of the wave.

- The speed of the waves depends on their frequency. --> FALSE. In a vacuum, the speed of ALL electromagnetic waves is always equal to c, regardless of the frequency.