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What kind of waves can travel through empty space or a vacuum?

a. Sound
b. Light
c. Frequency
d. Wavelength​

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Light waves, which are electromagnetic waves, are capable of traveling through a vacuum, unlike sound waves that need a medium. Light has a constant speed in a vacuum and exhibits both wave-like and particle-like behaviors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The kind of waves that can travel through empty space or a vacuum are electromagnetic waves such as light. Unlike sound waves, which are mechanical waves and require a medium to travel through, electromagnetic waves do not need a medium. Electromagnetic waves can be characterized by a constant speed (c), their frequency (ν), and wavelength (λ). The speed of light in a vacuum is 2.99792458 x 10⁸ m s¯¹, and it is one of the fundamental constants of nature. It is important to note that light waves are not longitudinal waves; they are transverse waves.

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