\- Give an example of a wave that does not need a medium in which to travel and a wave that does need a medium.

Short Answer

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Question: Provide an example of a wave that does not require a medium to travel, and one that does. Explain the difference between these types of waves. Answer: An example of a wave that does not require a medium to travel is a light wave, which is an electromagnetic wave. Light can travel through the vacuum of space because it consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space. A sound wave, on the other hand, is an example of a mechanical wave that requires a medium, such as air, water, or a solid, to travel. Sound waves are created by vibrations in a material medium and require the medium's particles to transmit energy from one point to another. The main difference is that electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum, while mechanical waves need a material medium to propagate.

Step by step solution

01

Electromagnetic Wave Example: Light Waves

Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to travel. An example of an electromagnetic wave is a light wave. Light can travel through the vacuum of space, which is why we can observe stars and receive sunlight on Earth. Electromagnetic waves do not require particles or a medium to transfer energy, as they consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space.
02

Mechanical Wave Example: Sound Waves

Mechanical waves, on the other hand, require a medium to travel. An example of a mechanical wave is a sound wave. Sound waves are created by vibrations in a material medium (such as air, water, or a solid), and they require the medium's particles to transmit energy from one point to another. For example, when we speak, our vocal cords create vibrations in the air, which then propagate as a pattern of pressure changes in the surrounding air molecules. This pattern is what our ears perceive as sound. Sound waves cannot travel through a vacuum, as there is no medium for them to travel through.

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