Which of the following describes all electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves are characterized as transverse waves, which means that the oscillations of the wave occur perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. In electromagnetic waves, the electric and magnetic fields oscillate at right angles to each other and to the direction in which the wave propagates. This fundamental property is intrinsic to all types of electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

The transverse nature of electromagnetic waves allows them to travel through the vacuum of space without requiring a medium, which is a distinct characteristic compared to mechanical waves. Understanding the transverse nature of these waves is vital for many applications, such as communication technologies and various forms of imaging.

Electromagnetic waves are not longitudinal waves, which have oscillations that occur in the same direction as wave propagation. Sound waves are a specific type of longitudinal wave that require a medium (like air or water) to travel through. Lastly, mechanical waves require a material medium for propagation, while electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum, making them fundamentally different from mechanical waves.