Question

Why do electromagnetic waves not require a medium for travel?

a) because electromagnetic waves travel too fast for stationary particles to move with them
b) because electromagnetic waves transmit energy compressing the particles of the medium
c) because electromagnetic waves generate their own particles for compression and use these for movement
d) because electromagnetic waves move in two-dimensional space, the particles of mediums exist in 3-D space

I understand the propagation of both types of waves but this question is tripping me up. I think the answer is B. Please help me understand.

Answer 1

@nrg

Answer 2

@nrg

Answer 3

I feel your pain. I don't see a correct solution, and probably I wouldn't recognize a correct solution if I saw it. I don't like the term "particle" in all the options.