Sound waves are also known as ____.

Sound waves are also known as ____.

• A. Electromagnetic waves
• B. Mechanical waves
• C. Quantum waves
• D. Acoustic waves

Answer: (D)

Sound waves are disturbances that propagate through a medium by vibrating its particles, so they are mechanical waves. Because they rely on a material medium to transfer energy, they can’t travel through the void of space. The term used to describe these waves is acoustic waves, which is the standard label for sound-related waves in air, water, and solids. Electromagnetic waves can travel without a medium and include light and radio waves, so they aren’t sound. Quantum waves refer to wave-like behavior in quantum particles, not everyday sound. So the best fit for sound waves is acoustic waves.

Sound waves are disturbances that propagate through a medium by vibrating its particles, so they are mechanical waves. Because they rely on a material medium to transfer energy, they can’t travel through the void of space. The term used to describe these waves is acoustic waves, which is the standard label for sound-related waves in air, water, and solids. Electromagnetic waves can travel without a medium and include light and radio waves, so they aren’t sound. Quantum waves refer to wave-like behavior in quantum particles, not everyday sound. So the best fit for sound waves is acoustic waves.