183k views
3 votes
Which wave needs molecules in order to transfer the energy?

2 Answers

1 vote

Final answer:

Mechanical waves need molecules to transfer energy, while electromagnetic waves do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum.

Step-by-step explanation:

The wave that needs molecules in order to transfer energy is a mechanical wave. Unlike electromagnetic waves, which can travel through a vacuum because they consist of fluctuating electric and magnetic fields, mechanical waves require a medium (such as air, water, or a solid) to propagate. Mechanical waves transfer energy through the vibration or movement of the molecules in the medium. Electromagnetic waves like light and microwaves, on the other hand, do not require a medium and can transfer energy through the vacuum of space, as they are made up of photons that carry energy corresponding to their frequency.

User James Jacques
by
8.1k points
5 votes
Mechanical waves needs a medium to travel
User King Friday
by
8.3k points

No related questions found

Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.

9.4m questions

12.2m answers

Categories