Question
What explanation would highlight key similarities or differences in terms of wave parts of electromagnetic and mechanical waves?
A. Hedromagnetic waves exhibit crests and troughs different from mechanical waves but lack compression and rarefactions,
B. Flectromagnetic waves display compression and rarefactions whereas mechanical waves are defined by crests and troughs,
G. Both eledromagnetic and mechanical waves have crests and troughs, with compression and rarefactions being unique to mechanical waves,
D. Compressions and rarefactions are features exclusive to electromagnetic waves, while crests and troughs are characteristic of only mechanical waves,
A. Hedromagnetic waves exhibit crests and troughs different from mechanical waves but lack compression and rarefactions,
B. Flectromagnetic waves display compression and rarefactions whereas mechanical waves are defined by crests and troughs,
G. Both eledromagnetic and mechanical waves have crests and troughs, with compression and rarefactions being unique to mechanical waves,
D. Compressions and rarefactions are features exclusive to electromagnetic waves, while crests and troughs are characteristic of only mechanical waves,
Ask by Little Bartlett. in the United States
Mar 24,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
Both electromagnetic and mechanical waves have crests and troughs, but compression and rarefactions are unique to mechanical waves.
Solution
To analyze the similarities and differences between electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves in terms of their wave parts, let’s evaluate each option:
A. Hedromagnetic waves exhibit crests and troughs different from mechanical waves but lack compression and rarefactions.
- This statement is incorrect because electromagnetic waves do not have crests and troughs in the same sense as mechanical waves. They are transverse waves, while mechanical waves can be either transverse or longitudinal.
B. Flectromagnetic waves display compression and rarefactions whereas mechanical waves are defined by crests and troughs.
- This statement is also incorrect. Electromagnetic waves do not exhibit compression and rarefactions; these are characteristics of longitudinal mechanical waves.
C. Both electromagnetic and mechanical waves have crests and troughs, with compression and rarefactions being unique to mechanical waves.
- This statement is partially correct. Mechanical waves can have crests and troughs (in the case of transverse waves) and also exhibit compression and rarefactions (in the case of longitudinal waves). However, electromagnetic waves do not have crests and troughs in the same way.
D. Compressions and rarefactions are features exclusive to electromagnetic waves, while crests and troughs are characteristic of only mechanical waves.
- This statement is incorrect. Compressions and rarefactions are features of mechanical waves, particularly longitudinal waves, while electromagnetic waves do not exhibit these features.
Based on this analysis, the most accurate option is C, as it correctly identifies that both types of waves can have crests and troughs, while compression and rarefactions are unique to mechanical waves.
Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
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Simplify this solution Beyond the Answer
Electromagnetic waves, like light and radio waves, consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that travel through space and do not require a medium, while mechanical waves, such as sound and water waves, require a medium (like air or water) to propagate. Both types of waves display similar properties like wavelength and frequency, but electromagnetic waves do not exhibit compressions and rarefactions, which are specifically characteristics of mechanical waves.
When analyzing wave behavior, it’s essential to remember that mechanical waves can be classified as longitudinal or transverse. Longitudinal waves, such as sound waves, are defined by compressions and rarefactions, while transverse waves, like waves on a string, have crests and troughs. Understanding these differences can help you grasp subjects related to wave mechanics and their applications in real-world situations!
