Asked in MDCAT Test Series 50 — Waves

A special class of waves that does not need a material medium for their propagation are called

Correct answer: C. Electromagnetic waves

  • A. Electric waves
  • B. Magnetic waves
  • C. Electromagnetic waves
  • D. Sound waves
  • E. Earthquake's shock waves

Explanation

Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium for travel since they are not transmitted by the vibration of particles. The waves are generated by the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields which can exist anywhere.Electric waves do not isolatedly exist rather they depend on the magnetic field to form EM waves.A sound wave is a pattern of disturbance caused by the movement of energy traveling through a medium (such as air, water, or any other liquid or solid ).Seismic waves are usually generated by movements of the Earth's tectonic plates but may also be caused by explosions, volcanoes, and landslides. When an earthquake occurs shockwaves of energy, called seismic waves, are released from the earthquake focus.A changing magnetic field will induce a changing electric field and vice-versa-the two are linked. These changing fields form electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves differ from mechanical waves in that they do not require a medium to propagate.

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About Waves

Progressive waves transfer energy through oscillations, with wavelength, frequency, amplitude and wave speed related by v = fλ; sound speed depends on the medium. Superposition produces interference and stationary waves in strings and organ pipes, while simple harmonic motion describes the oscillation itself and must be distinguished from wave propagation.

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