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Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium (such as air or water) to propagate, unlike mechanical waves which need a medium for transmission. Instead, electromagnetic waves are disturbances in the electromagnetic field that travel through a vacuum at the speed of light. Their behavior is governed by Maxwell's equations and the laws of electromagnetism, making them fundamentally different from mechanical waves.

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Q: Why aren't electromagnetic waves mechanical waves?
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Continue Learning about Physics

How are electromagnetic waves different from all other waves, specifically mechanical waves?

Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to travel through, unlike mechanical waves which do. Additionally, electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum, while mechanical waves cannot.


Which types of these waves is not a mechanical wave?

Examples of mechanical waves are waves in the ocean and sound waves from devices like mouths, trombones, and radios. Electromagnetic waves like sunshine and X-rays are not mechanical waves because matter is not doing the waving.


How do electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves differ, and what are examples of each type of wave?

Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to travel through, while mechanical waves do. Examples of electromagnetic waves include light and radio waves, while examples of mechanical waves include sound and seismic waves.


Which of the following is not a mechanical wave' a transverse a longitudinal or a electromagnetic?

Electromagnetic waves are not mechanical waves, as they do not require a medium (such as air or water) to propagate. Transverse and longitudinal waves, on the other hand, are mechanical waves that require a medium to travel through.


What is the main difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves on Jiskha?

The main difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves is how they travel. Mechanical waves require a medium, such as air or water, to propagate, while electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum.