Which of the following statements about electromagnetic waves, sound waves and water waves is/are correct ? 1. They exhibit reflection 2. They carry energy 3. They exert pressure 4. They can travel in vacuum Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Electromagnetic, sound, and water waves share several fundamental properties. All three types of waves exhibit reflection when they encounter a boundary or change in medium. They are also carriers of energy; for instance, wind provides energy to water waves, and electromagnetic waves carry energy proportional to their field strength. Furthermore, all these waves exert pressure. Electromagnetic waves exert radiation pressure, sound waves involve pressure disturbances in a medium, and water waves transfer momentum. However, they differ in their propagation requirements. While electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum [3], sound and water waves are mechanical waves that require a physical medium (like air or water) to propagate and cannot travel in a vacuum [2]. Therefore, only statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct for all three wave types.

Sources

1. [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 20: Earths Atmosphere > Explanation: > p. 279
2. [3] https://www.britannica.com/science/wave-physics
3. [1] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 13: Movements of Ocean Water > WAVES > p. 108