Which of the following wave has maximum speed in vacuum?

CONCEPT:

Electromagnetic waves or EM waves:

• The waves that are formed as a result of vibrations between an electric field and a magnetic field and they are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of the wave is called an electromagnetic wave.
• The accelerating charged particle produces an electromagnetic (EM) wave.
• A charged particle oscillating about an equilibrium position is an accelerating charged particle.
• Electromagnetic waves do not require any matter to propagate from one place to another as it consists of photons. They can move in a vacuum.

Properties of electromagnetic waves:

• Not have any charge or we can say that they are neutral.
• Propagate as a transverse wave.
• They move with the velocity the same as that of light.
• The speed of all the electromagnetic waves is 3×108 m/s in a vacuum.
• It contains energy and they also contain momentum.
• They can travel in a vacuum also.

EXPLANATION:

• We know that x-rays, ultraviolet rays, and gamma rays are electromagnetic waves.
• The speed of all the electromagnetic waves is 3 × 108 m/s in a vacuum. Hence, option 4 is correct.