Which form of energy is unable to travel through a vacuum?

Answer 1

In the first chapter of his book, Quantum Theory, David Bohm discusses potential energy transfers from empty space to, within, and out of blackbody radiators, where he develops a formula for the total energy in empty space to be the sum of contributions by electric and magnetic fields integrated over all space available to the respective fields.

In the last chapter of the book, Bohm discusses the necessity for both small scale and large scale potentials to interact (quantum with classical), in order "for a specific potentiality to be realized irrevocably at the expense of all other potentialities."

Thus, in empty space, energy transfers would be limited to changes in energy potentials. In theory, particle/anti-particle pairs can be created from vacuum energy, and the particle-pair either recombines and annihilates; or one of the pair can transfer into a black hole, while the other waves along its merry way.

a: pay attention to THE WORD THEORY

Answer 2

Thermal energy in the form of infrared radiation can travel without a medium because the wave is transverse. Its the same thing as the sun's light traveling through space to strike the earth, light does not need a medium to propogate.

Answer 3

Electromagnetic energy has many names, depending on the frequency or wavelength of the radiation. Low frequencies are usually called "radio"; higher frequencies are "microwaves". Higher and higher frequencies are heat, light, "ultra-violet", X-rays, gamma rays and cosmic rays.

But it is all electromagnetic radiation. The higher the frequency, the higher the energy.

Answer 4

It reaches us though electromagnetic waves, basically light. This light has energy in it and when light hits a particle (like air or one of the countless particlesin you skin) that light energy is converted into "heat" energy.

Answer 5

We know that light can travel through a vacuum, and light is electromagnetic energy. As for a form of energy that is unable to travel through a vacuum, mechanical energyis one kind.

There are many examples of mechanical energy. Sound is mechanical energy, as are the waves of seismic energy we observe in earthquakes. An explosion creates a shock wave or pressure wave, and this is also mechanical energy. All these forms of mechanical energy require a medium through which to travel. The mechanical energy is transferred into the medium and is conducted or transmitted by the medium. As a vacuum is the term we use to describe a volume of space that has no matter in it, we can conclude that mechanical energy will be unable to travel through it.

Answer 6

Electromagnetic energy is transmitted through space in the form of electromagnetic waves.

Radiation is the energy that can travel through space.

- ESA FLACA

Answer 7

The transfer of heat through any given space travels over waves of radiation.

Answer 8

Electromagnetic energy (light, heat, radio, X-rays and gamma rays are all forms of electromagnetic energy.)

Answer 9

Any form of energy that requires a physical medium to move from place to place could not propagate in empty space. An obvious example is sound energy.

Answer 10

electromagnetic energy in the form of electromagnetic waves.