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Light waves do not require a medium through which to travel. They will travel (propagate) perfectly well in a vacuum. Otherwise, light would not pass through the vacuum of space. It would be very dark here on earth as the light from the sun, moon and stars could not reach Earth through the vacuum of space.

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Q: Why do light waves require a medium in which to travel?
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Why does there have to be a medium for waves to travel through?

There does not have to be a medium. Light does not require a medium. Mechanical waves require a mediumAnswer 2:Not all waves require a medium for their transmission. Mechanical waves require a medium for their transmission because it is the molecules of the medium which cause the wave to propagate. However, electromagnetic waves do NOT require a medium. (for example light)


What waves require a medium and what waves do not?

Mechanical waves require a medium (substance) to travel in, other waves do not. For example, sound is a mechanical wave and require a medium (air, water, etc.), light is not a mechanical wave and does not require a medium


All waves need a medium to travel?

No, only surface and mechanical waves need a medium, compressional waves can travel through space. (Such as light from the Sun).I think light (EM) waves are the only ones that can travel through a vacuum. Sound waves require a medium.


Do surface waves require a medium?

Yes. By definition, surface waves will travel at or near the surface of a medium. Only electromagnetic waves (light, radio, & etc) can travel through a vacuum.


Can light travel in a vacuum?

Yes. Light waves are electromagnetic waves, which do not require a medium to travel through.Mechanical waves (such as sound) do require a medium to travel through, so sound waves cannot travel through a vacuum.Space is a vacuum. The light from the stars (including our own sun) travel across a great distance in a vacuum to get to us.The accepted speed of light is its speed in a vacuum, which is 299,792,458 m/s.

Related questions

Why does there have to be a medium for waves to travel through?

There does not have to be a medium. Light does not require a medium. Mechanical waves require a mediumAnswer 2:Not all waves require a medium for their transmission. Mechanical waves require a medium for their transmission because it is the molecules of the medium which cause the wave to propagate. However, electromagnetic waves do NOT require a medium. (for example light)


Name one kind of wave that does not require a medium?

An electromagnetic wave (this includes light) does not require a physical medium - it can travel through empty space.An electromagnetic wave (this includes light) does not require a physical medium - it can travel through empty space.An electromagnetic wave (this includes light) does not require a physical medium - it can travel through empty space.An electromagnetic wave (this includes light) does not require a physical medium - it can travel through empty space.


What waves require a medium and what waves do not?

Mechanical waves require a medium (substance) to travel in, other waves do not. For example, sound is a mechanical wave and require a medium (air, water, etc.), light is not a mechanical wave and does not require a medium


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 .


When a wave travel through a medium?

Mechanical waves such as sound and vibration require a medium in which to travel. Electromagnetic waves such as radio and light need no transmission medium.


All waves need a medium to travel?

No, only surface and mechanical waves need a medium, compressional waves can travel through space. (Such as light from the Sun).I think light (EM) waves are the only ones that can travel through a vacuum. Sound waves require a medium.


Waves that do not not need a medium?

Two waves that do not require a medium to travel would be light waves and gravitational waves. - Zach Harris, B.S. Physics


What is a wave that doesn't require a medium for propagation?

Electromagnetic waves (like light) don't require a medium for propagation, unlike mechanic waves (like sound).


How do electromagnetic waves travel through a medium?

electromagnetic waves generally don't require a medium to travel. the most commonly visible example is "light" which may be either sun's light, light from a bulb or any other source. they travel as transverse waves.


Do surface waves require a medium?

Yes. By definition, surface waves will travel at or near the surface of a medium. Only electromagnetic waves (light, radio, & etc) can travel through a vacuum.


What types of waves require a medium?

Mechanical waves.For example, sound waves, ocean waves, etc.Many waves need a medium to travel: sound waves, water waves, and seismic waves.Electromagnetic waves do not need a medium.


Is a medium necessary for a wave to travel?

No not really. Sound waves are mechanical waves. They require a medium for propagation. On the other hand, Light waves are electromagnetic and do not require a medium. Hence you cannot hear in space. AND light waves reach the earth from the sun through space- which is a vacuum!!