Question

Two scientists setup an investigation in which a radio transmitter and a sound source are both placed inside a sealed Eontainer, The scientists then pump all of the air out of the container, creating a vacuum. The scientists then notice that the radio waves can still be detected outside of the container but the sound waves cannot be detected outside of the container. Which of the following explanations fit the results of their investigation?

A. Radio waves are electromagnetic but sound waves are mechanical because the radio waves could travel without a medium but the sound waves could not
B. Radio waves are mechanical and sound waves are electromagnetic because the radio waves could travel without a medium but the radio waves could not
C. Radio waves are electromagnetic but sound waves are mechanical because radio waves cannot travel through air but sound waves can travel through air.
D. Radio waves are mechanical but sound waves are electromagnetic because radio waves cannot travel through air but sound waves can travel through air.

Answer 1

A. Radio waves are electromagnetic but sound waves are mechanical because the radio waves could travel without a medium but the sound waves could not.

Step-by-step explanation:

Electromagnetic waves are waves that do not require a medium for traveling. Therefore, they can travel in a vacuum as well. For example, the sunlight travels from the Sun to the Earth in a vacuum.

Mechanical waves are those waves that require a material medium to travel. Therefore, they can not travel in a vacuum. For example, sound waves can not travel in space.

Therefore, the correct option is:

A. Radio waves are electromagnetic but sound waves are mechanical because the radio waves could travel without a medium but the sound waves could not.