Which statement describes a difference between electromagnetic and mechanical waves?

A. Mechanical waves cannot be longitudinal, but electromagnetic waves can.

B. Electromagnetic waves cannot move particles, but mechanical waves can.

C. Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium, but mechanical waves do.

D. Mechanical waves do not transfer energy, but electromagnetic waves do.

Answer: The correct answer is "Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium, but mechanical waves do".

Explanation:

Mechanical waves are of two types: Longitudinal wave and Transverse.

Electromagnetic wave travels in vacuum. It travels with the speed of the light.

Mechanical waves are caused by wave amplitude while Electromagnetic waves are produced by the vibration of the charged particles

Mechanical wave needs a medium to travel while Electromagnetic wave does not need a medium. The mechanical wave can travel in solid, liquid and gas.

Mechanical wave travels through matter, while an electromagnetic wave travels through empty space.

Therefore, the correct option is (C).

Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium, but mechanical waves do. (C)