Question

What is the difference between mechanical and non-mechanical waves?

• A. Low density gaseous medium
• B. Non eleastic medium
• C. Colourfull medium
• D. Requirement of material medium

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Requirement of material medium

The major difference between a mechanical and a non-mechanical waves (also known as Electromagnetic waves) is that, the first one needs material medium to travel. The non-mechanical waves travel even in vacuum, Sunlight is an example of an electromagnetic wave which travels through a vacuum to reach the Earth's surface. Sound waves is a common example of a mechanical wave, which needs material mediums like solid, liquid or gas to travel from one end to the other end.