Class 10 > Unit # 10: General Waves Properties > Difference Between Mechanical and Electromagnetic Waves

Differentiate Between Mechanical and Electromagnetic Waves

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Comparison Table

S.No.	Mechanical Waves	Electromagnetic Waves
1	Mechanical waves are such waves that need a medium for propagation.	Electromagnetic waves are such waves that do not need a medium for propagation.
2	Mechanical waves are produced by vibratory motion in the respective medium.	Electromagnetic waves are produced by a changing of electric and magnetic fields.
3	Sound waves, water waves, and seismic waves are some examples of mechanical waves.	Radio waves, microwaves, light waves, U.V waves and infrared waves are some examples of electromagnetic waves.
4	Mechanical waves consist of transverse as well as longitudinal waves.	Electromagnetic waves are only comprised of a transverse wave in nature.
5	Mechanical waves cannot travel through the vacuum.	Electromagnetic waves travel through the vacuum at the speed of \(3 \times 10^8\text{ m/s}\).
6	All mechanical waves travel through their media at different speeds depending upon the physical properties of the respective medium.	All electromagnetic waves can travel through transparent media at different speeds depending upon the refractive index of the respective medium.