Final answer:
Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves, characterized by oscillations perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. They are not longitudinal, mechanical, or P-waves and do not require a medium to propagate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question you're asking about is related to electromagnetic waves. What kind of waves are electromagnetic waves? Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves. This means that the oscillations of the electromagnetic fields are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Unlike longitudinal waves, where particles of the medium oscillate along the direction of wave travel, in transverse waves they oscillate at right angles. Moreover, electromagnetic waves differ from mechanical waves because they do not require a medium to travel through. They can propagate through the vacuum of space, while mechanical waves cannot.
Therefore, electromagnetic waves are fundamentally different from both longitudinal waves like sound waves and mechanical waves.Electromagnetic waves are defined as transverse waves. They consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation. Unlike mechanical waves, electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to propagate, as they can travel through empty space.