What is the #1 difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves?

Question

Rayna Howell

Physics

12 February, 03:46

What is the #1 difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves?

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Answers (2)

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Kara Suarez · Answer 1

Electromagnetic waves are usually defined as those waves that are produced because of the vibration between a magnetic as well as an electric field. They can easily travel in space (or in a vacuum) and they have the ability to carry or transmit energy.

On the other hand, the mechanical waves are defined as those waves that can travel only through a medium such as air, water or any liquid, but they cannot travel in a vacuum. They are able to transmit energy only through the mediums.

Astro · Answer 2

Electromagnetic waves are usually defined as those waves that are produced because of the vibration between a magnetic as well as an electric field. They can easily travel in space (or in a vacuum) and they have the ability to carry or transmit energy.

On the other hand, the mechanical waves are defined as those waves that can travel only through a medium such as air, water or any liquid, but they cannot travel in a vacuum. They are able to transmit energy only through the mediums.