Which term describes energy that travels in transverse waves and does not require a medium?

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Multiple Choice

Which term describes energy that travels in transverse waves and does not require a medium?

Explanation:
Electromagnetic radiation is energy that travels as transverse waves and does not require a medium, so it can move through vacuum. The energy comes from oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to the direction of travel, which lets light, radio waves, and X-rays propagate through empty space. This property—traveling without needing a material medium—is what sets it apart from mechanical waves. The other terms describe different ideas: transmission refers to sending energy or signals from one place to another, refraction is the bending of waves at a boundary between media, and reflection is the bouncing of waves off a surface.

Electromagnetic radiation is energy that travels as transverse waves and does not require a medium, so it can move through vacuum. The energy comes from oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to the direction of travel, which lets light, radio waves, and X-rays propagate through empty space. This property—traveling without needing a material medium—is what sets it apart from mechanical waves. The other terms describe different ideas: transmission refers to sending energy or signals from one place to another, refraction is the bending of waves at a boundary between media, and reflection is the bouncing of waves off a surface.

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