- When there is no medium, certain waves (electromagnetic) can travel through empty space.
Electromagnetic Waves
Light waves are considered electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves can travel the vacuum of empty space where matter is not present as well as through some types matter such as the air.
- Visible light waves are the only part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye.
- All light, or electromagnetic radiation, travels through space at 186,000 miles per second — which is the speed of light. That’s about as far as an average car will go over its entire lifetime, traveled by light in a single second!
Electromagnetic Waves are Transverse Waves
Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves which include not only visible light seen in the colors of the rainbow, but also other waves including ultraviolet light, x-rays, and gamma rays plus the waves with lower energy including infrared waves, microwaves and radio waves.
Electromagnetic Waves DO NOT Require a Medium to Travel
Electromagnetic waves such as visible light and radio waves can be transmitted in a vacuum because they do not require a medium to transmit energy.
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Topic Tips
- Electromagnetic waves including light waves can travel through the vacuum of empty space and do not require a medium to travel.