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EM waves typically slow down when they travel through a medium compared to their speed in a vacuum. This decrease in speed is due to interactions with the atoms and molecules in the medium, which cause the EM waves to be absorbed and re-emitted resulting in a slower overall propagation speed.

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Why do waves of different wavelengths travel at the same speed?

Waves of different wavelengths traveling at the same speed is a property of the medium through which they are moving. In a homogeneous medium, such as air or water, the speed of the wave is determined by the properties of that medium, like its density and elasticity. Therefore, waves with different wavelengths will travel at the same speed in that medium.


What is the difference of electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves?

Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to propagate and can travel through a vacuum, whereas mechanical waves require a medium (such as air, water, or solids) to travel through. Electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields, while mechanical waves are produced by the vibration of particles in the medium. Electromagnetic waves can travel at the speed of light, while the speed of mechanical waves depends on the properties of the medium.


Is the speed of a sound wave slower than a electromagnetic wave?

Yes, the speed of sound waves is slower than the speed of electromagnetic waves. Sound waves travel through a medium, such as air or water, at a speed that depends on the properties of that medium. Electromagnetic waves, such as light, can travel through a vacuum at a speed of about 300,000 kilometers per second.


What is the medium definition in physics and how does it relate to the propagation of waves?

In physics, a medium is a substance or material through which waves can travel. The medium affects how waves propagate by influencing their speed, direction, and behavior. Different mediums can cause waves to refract, reflect, or attenuate as they travel through them.


The what of waves can change when the waves move from one medium to another?

The speed of waves can change when they move from one medium to another. This change in speed occurs due to the difference in the medium's properties, such as density or elasticity, which affects how the waves travel through it.

Related Questions

Why do waves of different wavelengths travel at the same speed?

Waves of different wavelengths traveling at the same speed is a property of the medium through which they are moving. In a homogeneous medium, such as air or water, the speed of the wave is determined by the properties of that medium, like its density and elasticity. Therefore, waves with different wavelengths will travel at the same speed in that medium.


Which of the following distinguishes electromagnetic from mechanical waves?

They don't require a medium to travel through. - apex ....what a wanker


What is the difference of electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves?

Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to propagate and can travel through a vacuum, whereas mechanical waves require a medium (such as air, water, or solids) to travel through. Electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields, while mechanical waves are produced by the vibration of particles in the medium. Electromagnetic waves can travel at the speed of light, while the speed of mechanical waves depends on the properties of the medium.


Is the speed of a sound wave slower than a electromagnetic wave?

Yes, the speed of sound waves is slower than the speed of electromagnetic waves. Sound waves travel through a medium, such as air or water, at a speed that depends on the properties of that medium. Electromagnetic waves, such as light, can travel through a vacuum at a speed of about 300,000 kilometers per second.


What is the medium definition in physics and how does it relate to the propagation of waves?

In physics, a medium is a substance or material through which waves can travel. The medium affects how waves propagate by influencing their speed, direction, and behavior. Different mediums can cause waves to refract, reflect, or attenuate as they travel through them.


How does light travel through AVACUUM?

Light waves do not need a medium to propagate. Sound waves cannot travel without a medium. Light waves always travel at the speed of light that is 3*108m/s.


The what of waves can change when the waves move from one medium to another?

The speed of waves can change when they move from one medium to another. This change in speed occurs due to the difference in the medium's properties, such as density or elasticity, which affects how the waves travel through it.


What type of wave requires no medium to travel through?

Waves need not require medium to travel through. Only Mechanical waves like sound waves require medium to travel through. Electromagnetic waves travel in vaccum like light waves. Some waves transmitted in a medium due to disturbances in the medium .


How are electromagnetic or light waves different from water and sound waves?

Electromagnetic or light waves are transverse waves that do not require a medium (such as air or water) to propagate, whereas water and sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium for propagation. Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum, whereas water and sound waves cannot. Additionally, electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light, while the speed of water and sound waves depends on the medium through which they are traveling.


What waves need a medium to travel in?

Mechanical waves, such as sound waves, require a medium to travel through. These waves propagate by causing particles in the medium to vibrate and transfer the energy of the wave. Electromagnetic waves, such as light waves, do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum.


How do music sound waves travel through different mediums?

Music sound waves travel through different mediums by vibrating particles in the medium they are traveling through. These vibrations create a series of compressions and rarefactions that propagate through the medium, carrying the sound energy from the source to our ears. The speed at which sound waves travel through a medium depends on the properties of that medium, such as its density and elasticity.


What do waves travel through?

Waves can travel through various mediums such as air, water, and solids. The properties of the medium, such as density and elasticity, determine the speed and behavior of waves as they travel through it.