Question

a scientist is studying a shock wave from an earthquake. what kind of wave is being studied?

an electromagnetic wave
a gamma ray
a radio wave
a mechanical wave

Explanation:

• An electromagnetic wave (like gamma rays and radio waves) can travel through a vacuum. Earthquake shock waves need a medium (solid, liquid, or gas in the Earth) to propagate.
• A mechanical wave requires a medium for propagation. Earthquake shock - waves (seismic waves) move through the Earth's interior (a medium), so they are mechanical waves.

Answer:

a mechanical wave