Exam-style question
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Which statement best describes the relationship between electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves?.
- A.Electromagnetic waves require a medium to travel through, while mechanical waves do not.
- B.Mechanical waves can travel through a vacuum, while electromagnetic waves cannot.
- C.Both electromagnetic and mechanical waves can travel through a vacuum.
- D.Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium, while mechanical waves do.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium, while mechanical waves do.
Explanation
Why this works
Electromagnetic waves, such as light, can propagate through a vacuum, whereas mechanical waves, like sound, require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel.
Common mistake
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