These changing fields form electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves differ from mechanical waves in that they do not require a medium to propagate. This means that electromagnetic waves can travel not only through air and solid materials, but also through the vacuum of space.

Are mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves the same?

An electromagnetic wave is a wave that is capable of transmitting its energy through a vacuum (i.e., empty space). Electromagnetic waves are produced by the vibration of charged particles. ... A mechanical wave is a wave that is not capable of transmitting its energy through a vacuum.

What type of wave is an electromagnetic wave?

EM waves are 'transverse' waves. This means that they are measured by their amplitude (height) and wavelength (distance between the highest/lowest points of two consecutive waves). The highest point of a wave is known as 'crest', whereas the lowest point is known as 'trough'.