Question

You MUST show all the diagrams, formulas, substitutions, calculations, results, and unit to receive the whole credit for each problem.

3-  

a) What is the difference between a mechanical wave and an electromagnetic wave? In complete sentences  

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b) Give one example of each:

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c)What is the difference between a longitudinal and transverse wave? In complete sentences.

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d) Give one example of each:

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Answer 1

a) Electromagnetic waves are waves that have no medium to travel whereas mechanical waves need a medium for its transmission.

Electromagnetic waves travel in a vacuum whereas mechanical waves do not. The mechanical waves need a medium like water, air, or anything for it to travel. The ripples made in a pool of water after a stone is thrown in the middle are an example of mechanical waves. While an electromagnetic wave is called just a disturbance, a mechanical wave is considered a periodic disturbance.

Mechanical waves are also called elastic waves as their propagation depends on the elastic properties of the medium through which the waves pass. Electromagnetic waves are caused because of the varying magnetic and electric fields. While mechanical waves are caused by wave amplitude and not by frequency, electromagnetic waves are produced by the vibration of the charged particles. When comparing the speed of mechanical and electromagnetic waves, the former travels at low speed.

(b) Examples of electromagnetic waves include light and radio signals.

Example of mechanical waves is sound.

(c) In Transverse Waves, the displacement of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave; whereas in Longitudinal Waves, the displacement of the medium is parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave.

(d) Transverse wave: Light and Electromagnetic radiation.

Longitudinal wave: Sound