Question

Your concept map will compare the manner in which energy is transferred by mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves. Include the following somewhere in your concept map:

• types of energy transferred
• medium required (if applicable) for transfer of energy
• speed of energy transfer through various mediums (solid, liquid, gas)
mechanical waves transfer light energy can pass through matter

Answer 1

Mechanical waves
• types of energy transferred - mechanical energy
• medium required (if applicable) for transfer of energy - yes, mechanical waves require a transfer medium
• speed of energy transfer through various mediums (solid, liquid, gas) - speeds vary for mechanical waves through different mediums

Electromagnetic waves
• types of energy transferred - electromagnetic energy
• medium required (if applicable) for transfer of energy - no medium required
• speed of energy transfer through various mediums (solid, liquid, gas) - transfer speed varies for electromagnetic waves through different mediums

Answer 2

To create a concept map for waves, you need to mention the different types of waves. Mechanical and EM waves are two examples. Mechanical waves transfer mechanical energy and require a medium. EM waves transfer EM energy but do not require a medium – they can pass through a vacuum. Both types of waves have different speeds transferring through different mediums.

Other things that may be mentioned in the map include law of reflection, idea of diffraction, standing waves and so on.