Question

the electromagnetic spectrum
radio waves
infrared
ultraviolet
gamma ray
microwave
visible light
x - rays
gamma rays are high - frequency em waves and radio waves are low - frequency. which characteristics are the same for both waves?
they are longitudinal and travel at the speed of light.
they are transverse and travel at the speed of sound.
they are transverse and travel at the speed of light.

Explanation:

1. Recall the properties of electromagnetic (EM) waves: All EM waves are transverse (oscillations perpendicular to the direction of propagation) and travel at the speed of light in a vacuum (\(c = 3\times10^{8}\, \text{m/s}\)).
2. Analyze the options:

• First option: EM waves are not longitudinal (longitudinal waves have oscillations parallel to the direction of propagation, like sound waves), so this is incorrect.
• Second option: EM waves do not travel at the speed of sound (sound is a mechanical wave, speed of sound is much less than speed of light), so this is incorrect.
• Third option: Matches the properties of EM waves (transverse and speed of light).

Answer:

They are transverse and travel at the speed of light.