Question

Distinguish between mechanical and electromagnetic waves.

Answer 1

1. Mechanical Waves: The waves which require a material medium for their propagation are known as mechanical waves.
2. Sound waves are mechanical waves.
3. Water ripples, waves on strings and springs, and seismic waves produced inside the earth at the time of an earthquake are also mechanical waves.
4. Electromagnetic Waves: The waves which do not require a material medium for their propagation and can travel even through vacuum are known as electromagnetic waves.
5. Light waves, radio waves, X-rays, and thermal radiations are examples of electromagnetic waves.