Step 1: Understanding electromagnetic waves.
Electromagnetic waves, such as light, radio waves, and X-rays, can propagate through a vacuum without requiring a material medium. They carry both energy and momentum, and they are transverse in nature, meaning the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) carry energy: Correct — Electromagnetic waves carry energy.
(B) carry momentum: Correct — Electromagnetic waves carry momentum, which can be transferred to objects they interact with.
(C) are transverse in nature while travelling in vacuum: Correct — Electromagnetic waves are transverse in nature.
(D) do not need a material medium to travel: Correct — Unlike sound waves, electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D) do not need a material medium to travel, as electromagnetic waves can propagate through space without needing a medium.