Question

1. A vibration of an electric charge.

2.Transmits energy from the Sun to Earth
3. A wave which has both an electric and a magnetic component
4. The speed of this wave decreases as the medium becomes denser.
What type of wave is being described by the statements above?
Responses
A longitudinallongitudinal
B mechanicalmechanical
C soundsound
D electromagnetic

Answer 1

D. Electromagnetic

Step-by-step explanation:

1. A vibrating electric charge creates an EM (electromagnetic) wave

2. Transmitting energy from Sun to the Earth would require crossing the vast emptiness of space, which is a vacuum (no medium to propagate longitudinal waves). Hence, this wave is transversal. EM waves are also transversal.

3. EM waves have both an electric and magnetic component, conventionally on the y and z axes, respectively.

4. The speed of this wave does decrease as the medium becomes denser. Take light for example. Light is also an EM wave and, although it does not need a medium to propagate, it still changes its speed depending on which medium it is passing.

Hence, the wave is electromagnetic