The fundamental difference between electromagnetic waves and other types of waves is that electromagnetic waves
A) move more slowly than all other types of waves.
B) are invisible regardless of wavelength.
C) do not experience constructive or destructive interference.
D) transfer energy without transferring mass.
E) all have the same wavelength.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Electromagnetic waves transfer energy without transferring mass, while other types of waves, such as mechanical waves, do transfer mass. This fundamental difference is due to the fact that electromagnetic waves propagate through oscillations of electric and magnetic fields, rather than through the physical displacement of matter.

The Fundamental Difference Between Electromagnetic Waves and Other Types of Waves