Based on the table and your knowledge of waves, what can you conclude about the wavelength of mechanical waves compared to electromagnetic waves?

A) Mechanical waves have greater amplitude.

B) Mechanical waves tend to have longer wavelengths.

C) Mechanical waves tend to have shorter wavelengths.

D) Mechanical waves travel faster than electromagnetic waves.

Question

Physics

Nolan Phillips

22 September, 22:33

Based on the table and your knowledge of waves, what can you conclude about the wavelength of mechanical waves compared to electromagnetic waves?

A) Mechanical waves have greater amplitude.

B) Mechanical waves tend to have longer wavelengths.

C) Mechanical waves tend to have shorter wavelengths.

D) Mechanical waves travel faster than electromagnetic waves.

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Erica Mora · Answer 1

The correct answer is option B) Mechanical waves tend to have longer wavelengths.

Explanation:

Before we begin, let's clarify what these two types of waves are.

Both electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves are classified by their ability to transmit energy in empty space.

Electromagnetic waves are capable of doing that, but mechanical waves are not.

The light waves that reach our planet are an example of electromagnetic waves.

On the other hand, mechanical waves need a medium to be able to move energy, it is not the same as with electromagnetic waves that are capable of transporting it on their own.

An example of a mechanical wave is sound. Sound is not capable of traveling in empty space.

This leads us to the conclusion that Mechanical waves tend to have longer wavelengths.