Wave Propagation – Which waves can travel through a vacuum? Consider common physical waves: sound waves, water surface waves, mechanical spring waves, and electromagnetic waves. Which of these can propagate through empty space (vacuum) without a material medium?

Introduction / Context:
Waves are disturbances that transfer energy. Mechanical waves require a material medium to transmit particle-to-particle interactions. In contrast, electromagnetic waves are self-sustaining oscillations of electric and magnetic fields and do not require matter to propagate.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Empty space has no material to support mechanical vibrations.
• Electromagnetic theory describes fields governed by Maxwell equations.
• Examples: radio signals from satellites, sunlight reaching Earth.

Concept / Approach:

Sound, water, and spring waves are mechanical: they rely on elastic properties of a medium (air, water, metal). Without a medium, there can be no restoring force and no particle oscillations. Electromagnetic waves propagate because changing electric fields create magnetic fields and vice versa, allowing energy transport even in vacuum.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Space communications (deep-space probes) and solar radiation are everyday confirmations that EM waves traverse vacuum.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Sound/water/spring waves cannot exist without a medium; “None” contradicts observed EM propagation.

Common Pitfalls:

Assuming “waves” all behave alike; overlooking that EM waves are field phenomena, not material vibrations.

Final Answer:

Electromagnetic waves