Question

which statements best describe x-rays? choose three correct answers. x-rays are transverse waves. x-rays travel at the speed of light. x-rays travel at the speed of sound. x-rays are longitudinal waves. x-rays are mechanical waves. x-rays are electromagnetic waves.

Explanation:

1. X - rays are electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves (their oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation), so "X - rays are transverse waves" is correct.
2. All electromagnetic waves, including X - rays, travel at the speed of light in a vacuum (and approximately the same speed in air), so "X - rays travel at the speed of light" is correct.
3. X - rays are electromagnetic waves, not mechanical waves (mechanical waves require a medium and can be longitudinal or transverse, but X - rays don't need a medium and are transverse electromagnetic waves), so "X - rays are electromagnetic waves" is correct.

• "X - rays are longitudinal waves" is wrong because X - rays are transverse. "X - rays travel at the speed of sound" is wrong as sound is a mechanical wave and X - rays are electromagnetic (travel at light speed). "X - rays are mechanical waves" is wrong as X - rays don't need a medium, unlike mechanical waves.

Answer:

• X - rays are transverse waves.
• X - rays travel at the speed of light.
• X - rays are electromagnetic waves.