What do light waves travel through when they travel through space?

Question

Doesn't a wave need a medium to travel through?

Answer 1

they are their own medium

Answer 2

It has a medium to travel through: it's called "the vacuum". Unlike the vacuum of the 17th, 18th and19th century, the modern term does not imply anything empty. Instead physicists are talking about the vacuum that is filled with waves, particles and quantum mechanical phenomena.

So indeed, in the 19th century the question would have made sense. Today it simply misses to use the term in its correct meaning.

Answer 3

something you're listening to correctly suited now is sound traveling via easy. The sound waves push air molecules. easy debris are traveling at a extremely larger velocity and the sunshine waves have a extremely tighter frequency so the two do no longer possibly work together in any way. This evidenced by ability of the indisputable fact that sound travels in basic terms as in the present day at night because it does for the time of the day. we don't pay attention the suns explosions as area is extraordinarily plenty a vacuum so there are not adequate air molecules to permit the sound waves to return and forth.

Answer 4

They travel through "empty" space. There is no meduim of tramission for photons.

However, if it will make it a little easier...just remember that the photon of energy and the space through which it is travelling are exactly the same thing. You, yourself, are made out of the same stuff as the photon and the space between you and other objects.

Answer 5

Light waves travel through the vacuum (nothing there) without hindrance. When they travel through an atmosphere or water they will be diffused (scattered) somewhat and bent to change their direction.

Answer 6

It travels through the vacuum of space as photons.

Answer 7

Sound waves need a medium, light does not. That is why no one can hear you scream in space. MMMUUUUAAAAGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!