What is the difference between a mechanical wave and an electromagnetic wave? a mechanical wave travels through empty space, while an electromagnetic wave travels through matter. a mechanical wave has a short wavelength, while all electromagnetic waves have long wavelengths. a mechanical wave has a high frequency, while all electromagnetic waves have low frequencies. a mechanical wave travels through matter, while an electromagnetic wave travels through empty space.

The correct answer is "A mechanical wave travels through matter, while an electromagnetic wave travels through empty space".

Explanation:

The difference between a mechanical wave and an electromagnetic wave are as follows:

Electromagnetic waves are produced by the vibrations of the charged particles while the mechanical waves are caused by the wave amplitude.

Electromagnetic wave does not need medium while the mechanical wave need medium to travel. Mechanical wave can travel in solid, liquid and gas. Electromagnetic wave travels in vacuum.

Therefore, a mechanical wave travels through matter, while an electromagnetic wave travels through empty space.

Considering the definition of wave, mechanical and electromagnetic wave, the correct answer is the last option: "A mechanical wave travels through matter, while an electromagnetic wave travels through empty space."

All waves obey the principle of "transport of energy without displacement of matter".

Then, mechanical waves consist of the propagation of a vibration through a medium carrying energy.

On the other hand, electromagnetic waves are the result of the interaction of electric and magnetic fields. In this type of waves there is transport of energy from one place to another, but they do not require a medium for their propagation and they can travel through space.

So the main difference between mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves is that mechanical waves require a medium (air or water) for their propagation, while electromagnetic waves do not require a medium for their propagation (they can travel through space).

In summary, the correct answer is the last option: "A mechanical wave travels through matter, while an electromagnetic wave travels through empty space."

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