What type of energy is carried by an electromagnetic wave?

Electromagnetic waves carry radiant energy, which is the energy of electromagnetic radiation. This type of energy is associated with the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes visible light, radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Radiant energy is characterized by the ability of electromagnetic waves to travel through the vacuum of space, which enables them to transmit energy without requiring a medium. For example, sunlight is a form of radiant energy that travels through space to reach Earth. When these waves interact with matter, they can be absorbed and converted into other forms of energy, such as thermal energy, but the original energy they carry is classified as radiant energy.

The other types of energy listed do not accurately describe the nature of the energy in electromagnetic waves. Chemical energy pertains to the energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, electrical energy involves the movement of electrons through a conductor, and thermal energy is related to the energy of the motion of particles within a substance. Therefore, radiant energy is the most appropriate classification for the energy carried by electromagnetic waves.