Non-mechanical wave can travel

Options

A. in vacuum as well as in a medium
B. in vacuum but not in a medium
C. in medium but not in vacuum
D. neither in a medium nor in vacuum

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Wave Types**: Waves can be classified into two main types: mechanical waves and non-mechanical waves. Mechanical waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel, while non-mechanical waves do not.

2. **Mechanical Waves**: Examples of mechanical waves include sound waves, which cannot travel through a vacuum. They need a physical medium to propagate.

3. **Non-Mechanical Waves**: Non-mechanical waves, such as electromagnetic waves, can travel through a vacuum. Examples include visible light, gamma rays, and X-rays. These waves do not require a medium for propagation.

4. **Propagation of Non-Mechanical Waves**: Non-mechanical waves can travel through a vacuum at their maximum speed (e.g., the speed of light is approximately \(3 \times 10^8\) meters per second). They can also travel through a medium, but their speed will be reduced compared to their speed in a vacuum.

5. **Evaluating Options**: The question provides multiple options regarding where non-mechanical waves can travel:
- Option 1: In vacuum as well as in medium.
- Option 2: In vacuum but not in medium.
- Option 3: In medium but not in vacuum.
- Option 4: Neither in medium nor in vacuum.

6. **Choosing the Correct Option**:
- Option 1 is correct because non-mechanical waves can travel in both vacuum and medium.
- Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect based on the definitions and properties of non-mechanical waves.

7. **Final Answer**: The correct answer is **Option 1**: Non-mechanical waves can travel in vacuum as well as in medium.

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