Question

Electromagnetic waves are often distinguished from mechanical waves. The distinction is based on the fact that electromagnetic waves ______. *

A)can travel through materials and mechanical waves cannot
B)come in a range of frequencies and mechanical waves exist with only certain frequencies
C)can travel through a region void of matter and mechanical waves cannot
D)electromagnetic waves cannot transport energy and mechanical waves can transport energy

Answer 1

The answer is electromagnetic waves can travel through a region void of matter and mechanical waves cannot (option C)

Step-by-step explanation:

To begin with, electromagnetic waves are waves that are created due to vibrations between a magnetic and electric field. On the other hand, mechanical waves are waves that are created due to vibration in matter or energy transfer through a material medium.

Electromagnetic waves are quite distinct from mechanical waves because the latter requires a material medium to transport energy while the former does not. In fact, electromagnetic waves can carry out transportation of energy through the vacuum of outer space.