Competency #9
Answer and Explanation
Which type of waves can travel through a vacuum? EM Sound Both Neither
Note: sound waves need a medium through which to travel. Often this medium is air, but sound waves can also travel through liquids, solids, or even other gases.
Which type of waves travels the fastest? EM Sound Same Varies
Note: Sound waves travel at 776 miles/hour, while light waves travel at 670 million miles/hour!
Which type of waves can be heard by people? EM Sound Both Neither
Note: One class of electromagnetic waves is radio waves. However, these waves, like all other EM waves cannot be detected by the human ear. Radio waves are used to send information from one place to another. For example, they carry information from a radio tower to your radio. Your radio's speakers then transmit sound waves, which are detected by your ear.
Which type of waves carry energy? EM Sound Both Neither
Electromagnetic waves are best described as (transverse or longitudinal) waves.
Sound waves are best described as (transverse or longitudinal) waves.