Question

Unlike water waves, select waves can travel through empty surface waves in water can be said to be select in that they oscillate in only one select (up and down), since gravity governs their behavior.

a) Electromagnetic, Transverse, Direction
b) Sound, Longitudinal, Plane
c) Electromagnetic, Longitudinal, Direction
d) Sound, Transverse, Plane

Answer 1

Electromagnetic waves, such as visible light, are transverse waves that can travel through a vacuum, oscillating perpendicularly to their propagation direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks about the nature of different types of waves. Unlike water waves, which can have both transverse and longitudinal components, certain waves can only travel through a vacuum. Electromagnetic waves, such as visible light, are examples of such waves, and they are transverse in nature. Transverse waves have oscillations that are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. In contrast, sound waves in air and water are longitudinal waves where the oscillations are parallel to the direction of wave travel. These are periods of compression and rarefaction in the medium through which the sound is traveling.

Therefore, the correct option to complete the student's question would be a) Electromagnetic, Transverse, Direction as electromagnetic waves are transverse and can travel through a vacuum, moving in one direction which is perpendicular to their oscillation.