Final answer:
Transverse waves, such as electromagnetic waves, do not require matter to transport energy and can travel through a vacuum, unlike longitudinal waves which need a medium like air or water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of wave that does not need matter to carry energy is known as a transverse wave. Examples of transverse waves include electromagnetic waves such as visible light, radio waves, and X-rays. In contrast to longitudinal waves, where the disturbance is parallel to the direction of wave propagation, in a transverse wave the disturbance is perpendicular to the direction of propagation. This means that electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum, where there is no matter, while longitudinal waves, such as sound waves, require a medium, like air, water, or solids to travel.