Question

Electromagnetic waves do not transport:
(A) Energy
(B) Charge
(C) Momentum
(D) Communication signals

Answer 1

Hint : To answer this question, we need to analyse the properties and applications of the electromagnetic waves. The properties shown by the electromagnetic waves will help us to eliminate all the incorrect answers.

Complete step by step answer
We know from the photoelectric experiment that when an electromagnetic radiation strikes on a metal surface, then photoelectrons are emitted from that metal surface. What basically happens is that the free electrons roaming inside the atoms of the metal surface receive energy from the electromagnetic radiation and get free from the bond of the atom. So, the atom receives energy from the electromagnetic waves. This clearly means that the electromagnetic waves do transport energy.
So the option A is incorrect.
If the electromagnetic waves have energy, so they must also have momentum, which is given by
 $p={\displaystyle \frac{E}{c}}$
So the electromagnetic waves also transport momentum.
Therefore the option C is also incorrect.
We know that all the wireless communication signals are basically different forms of electromagnetic waves only. For example, the TV signals, the phone networks, the radio signals are all transported by the electromagnetic waves only.
So the option D is also incorrect.
Now, we know that an electromagnetic wave comprises oscillating electric and magnetic fields. They are produced when a charge is accelerated. But we know that the electric and magnetic fields are the forms of energy only and do not comprise any mass. We know that the charge is the physical property of mass. So the electromagnetic waves cannot carry charge and hence cannot transport it.
Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note
The electromagnetic waves are used in transmitting the frequency modulated wavelengths over long distances. They are also used in transmitting the radio, TV and phone signals.