Mechanical Waves and Electromagnetic Waves??

Question

Do these two categories cover ALL waves? As in, are all waves either electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves?

Thanks, everybody!!

Answer 1

A wave by definition is the result of a moving force due to the disturbance of matter which serves as the medium to cause motion of the force.
A disturbance is caused by a mass in motion in the substance of space.Whether the disturbance is due to a micromass or a large mass.
When the disturbance is caused by a very large mass it is called a Gravity wave.Which is at very low frequency.

When the disturbance is caused by a micromass the frequencey of the force propagation is at very high frequency..

Therefore any disturbance by a mass structure, whether its micro or macro, will cause a traveling force in the form of a wave. Light is not a wave but since its composed of michromasses it causes a disturbance of the substance of space and warps it as well. And depending on the frequency of the radiation of the radiation it can cause a wave which we identify as radio waves in the medium of space.thes would be high frequency waves.

The idea of describing light as electromagnetic is only for convenience. It was coined that way by J maxwell. Light is a micromass particle and is nether electric nor magnetic.

Answer 2

Good question. Most waves you encounter in life will either be an EM wave or a mechanical wave, but there are other types. In theory you can have strong force waves, weak force waves, and gravity waves. Also you can have waves that are a combination of EM and fluid effects. These "combined" waves behavior differently than both EM and fluid waves. Hans Alfven won a Nobel prize for discovering these waves.

Answer 3

electromagnetic covers light, radio, micro, x-rays etc.
mechanical covers sound, water, and probably a wave of the hand.

mathematically you could talk about sine waves, etc - which would generally represent one or the other, but technically could be a pure mathematical representation and therefore not included in your categories.

but generally, yes, mechanical and electromagntic wave could be considered as all inclusive.

Answer 4

Mechanical waves require a medium for propagation, and do not exist as separate entities. Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium for propagation, and are composed of photons.

Answer 5

nope, they dont carry other waves, including sounmd

Answer 6

yes i think thats right