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We know that a mechanical wave requires a medium through which to travel. The source puts the energy into the medium, and it propagates. A sound wave is a good example of this, and we can contrast it with an electromagnetic wave (like light). Light can travel through a vacuum; it doesn't require a medium for its propagation.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoA mechanical wave is one that travels through a medium. It requires the medium for propagation, as the mechanical energy is put into the medium, and the medium carries it. Sound is a form of mechanical energy. In contrast, light is a form of electromagnetic energy, and it can travel through a vacuum, unlike a mechanical wave.
mechanical wave.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoSound waves travel through gas (including air).
According to present mainstream physics there is no 'medium' that light (em waves) travels through as that would create a '3rd/preferred frame/ether', which would seem to confound 'Special Relativity's' solution to the speed of light being constant for all observers whatever their motion. Although Einstein did say "space without ether is unthinkable" (Leiden 1921).
There is of course a 'quantum field' of space, indeed many, including, supposedly, the 'Higgs field' which allows massive particles to condense from it, as they do. It is at 2.7 degrees and constitutes 73% of the universe. (WMAP etc.)
Constant light speed is best explained by particles (in plasma or gas fine structures) refracting light (atomic scattering), re-emitting it at 'c' locally.
This is not however expected to make it into text books until around 20-20.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoDifferent types of waves (sound waves, electromagnetic waves, water waves, etc.) travel by different methods. It can be a sequence of collisions, each colliding particle carrying the wave forward to the next collision, or it can be a matter of force fields that vary in a sine-wave pattern due to the motion of the particle that generates them, or it can be an oscillation due to gravity, etc.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoMechanical waves, such as sound waves travel through a medium. They cannot travel through a vacuum.
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Due mechanical waves need a medium to travel through?
Yes, mechanical waves do need a medium in order to travel. Other waves, such as light, do not (thus they can travel through space).
Can Seismic waves travel through space?
NO! Seismic waves can't travel through space. They are mechanical waves. Mechanical waves require going through mediums and there isn't a medium in space.
Which of the following distinguishes electromagnetic from mechanical waves?
They don't require a medium to travel through. - apex ....what a wanker
What do sound waves require to travel in?
Particles. They can't travel through a vacumm
What distinguishes electromagnetic waves from mechanical waves?
electromagnetic waves are wave that do not require a material medium for their propagation while mechanical wave requires a material medium for example light wave is an electromagnetic wave it does not require any material medium(depends on air or water)for their propagation i.e even in the absence of air light will still travel... sound wave is a mechanical wave because sound do not travel in a vacuum....
What type of wave requires no medium to travel through?
Waves need not require medium to travel through. Only Mechanical waves like sound waves require medium to travel through. Electromagnetic waves travel in vaccum like light waves. Some waves transmitted in a medium due to disturbances in the medium .
Do radio waves need a medium to travel through?
Radiation doesnt need a medium because it travels through space
What do electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves have in common?
They can both travel through a medium.
The matter through which a wave travels is called what?
a medium. but longitudinal waves do not have to travel through a medium. This is why transverse waves cannot vibrate through space.a medium. but longitudinal waves do not have to travel through a medium. This is why transverse waves cannot vibrate through space.
What happens when waves travel through a medium?
The molecule of the medium vibrates at the dirction in which the wave travels
What are three medium waves can travel through?
Not all waves require mediums to propagate.Sound waves can travel through solid, liquid and gaseous mediums, while, electromagnetic waves do not require any medium to travel through.
Why does a sound wave travel through a medium?
waves are easily travel in medium.....
What can waves travel through?
Sound waves need a medium to travel through - the medium may be solid, liquid, or gaseous. Electromagnetic waves (including light) can also travel through empty space.
What material do waves travel through?
They travel through a material medium.
Due mechanical waves need a medium to travel through?
Yes, mechanical waves do need a medium in order to travel. Other waves, such as light, do not (thus they can travel through space).
How mechanical and electromagnetic wave are different?
The biggest difference is that mechanical waves require a medium to travel through and electromagnetic waves do not.
Is it true. When waves travel through a medium they carry the medium with them?
No.
