answersLogoWhite

0

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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Physics
Related Questions

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 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 sound waves travel compared to light waves?

Sound waves require a medium to travel through, such as air, water, or solids, and they propagate by causing particles in the medium to vibrate. Light waves, on the other hand, can travel through a vacuum and do not require a medium. They propagate as electromagnetic waves and can travel through empty space.


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 kind of wave does not require medium?

Electromagnetic waves, such as light waves and radio waves, do not require a medium to travel through. These waves can travel through a vacuum, unlike mechanical waves which require a medium to propagate, like sound waves in air or water waves in the ocean.


Which wave requires medium?

Mechanical waves, such as sound waves and water waves, require a medium (substance) to travel through. Electromagnetic waves, like light waves, do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum.


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.


Does transverse wave require a medium to travel through?

Yes, transverse waves require a medium to travel through. Examples include water waves, which need water as a medium, and electromagnetic waves such as light, which can travel through a vacuum.


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.


What type of medium is required by light waves?

Unlike waves in water, for example, light waves don't require a medium at all. They can (and do) travel through a complete vacuum, for example. If you'd like to read about this, the wikipedia article on light, and also on 'The Aether' will be of interest.


Waves that do not require a medium are?

Electromagnetic waves do not require medium for propagation.