Question

Mechanical waves must have a _____________ for them to even exist--in other words, there must be some sort of ____________ to carry the energy. Mechanical waves form when a source of energy causes particles that make up a medium to ___________.

a) medium, energy, vibrate
b) energy, medium, vibrate
c) medium, medium, oscillate
d) vibration, energy, propagate

Answer 1

Mechanical waves need a medium to exist, as they rely on it to transmit energy through vibration. The correct answer is a) medium, energy, vibrate, which reflects the necessity for a physical substance, like air or water, to carry the wave.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mechanical waves must have a medium for them to exist; in other words, there must be some sort of substance to carry the energy. Mechanical waves form when a source of energy causes particles that make up a medium to vibrate. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is a) medium, energy, vibrate.

Mechanical waves, such as sound waves, water waves, and seismic waves, all require a medium to propagate through. This medium can be solid, liquid, or gas. Electromagnetic waves, on the other hand, do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum, as is the case with light waves.