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What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes mechanical waves from electromagnetic waves?

  1. Electromagnetic waves require a medium to travel

  2. Mechanical waves can travel in a vacuum

  3. Mechanical waves require a medium to travel

  4. Electromagnetic waves have mass

The correct answer is: Mechanical waves require a medium to travel

The primary characteristic that distinguishes mechanical waves from electromagnetic waves is that mechanical waves require a medium to travel. This means that mechanical waves, such as sound waves or water waves, cannot propagate through a vacuum; they need a solid, liquid, or gas to transmit energy. In contrast, electromagnetic waves, such as light and radio waves, do not need a medium to travel and can move through the vacuum of space. This fundamental difference in how these waves propagate is crucial in understanding wave behavior. For example, in an environment like space, where no medium exists, electromagnetic waves can travel freely, enabling phenomena like sunlight reaching Earth. Understanding this distinction also helps in analyzing applications of these waves in various fields, including communication technologies and medical imaging.