The electromagnetic waves travel in free space with the velocity of

Options

A. sound
B. Light
C. Greater than that of light
D. Greater than that of sound

Answer

To solve the question regarding the speed of electromagnetic waves in free space, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Nature of Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic waves (EMW) are waves that consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields and can travel through a vacuum (free space) without the need for a medium.

**Hint:** Remember that electromagnetic waves include light, radio waves, microwaves, etc., and they all travel at the same speed in a vacuum.

### Step 2: Recall the Speed of Light
The speed of light in a vacuum is a fundamental constant in physics, denoted as \( c \), and its approximate value is \( 3 \times 10^8 \) meters per second (m/s).

**Hint:** The speed of light is the maximum speed at which information or matter can travel in the universe according to Einstein's theory of relativity.

### Step 3: Compare Speeds of Different Waves
In the context of the question, we need to compare the speed of electromagnetic waves with that of sound waves. Sound waves require a medium (like air, water, or solids) to propagate and travel much slower than electromagnetic waves.

**Hint:** Sound travels at approximately \( 343 \) m/s in air, which is significantly slower than the speed of light.

### Step 4: Conclude the Answer
Since electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light, and nothing can exceed this speed according to our current understanding of physics, we conclude that the speed of electromagnetic waves in free space is equal to the speed of light.

**Final Answer:** The electromagnetic waves travel in free space with the velocity of light.

### Summary of Steps:
1. Understand that electromagnetic waves do not require a medium.
2. Recall that the speed of light in a vacuum is \( c \).
3. Compare the speed of electromagnetic waves to sound waves.
4. Conclude that the speed of electromagnetic waves is equal to the speed of light.