Electromagnetic waves carry
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → energy and momentum both
An electromagnetic wave has electric and magnetic fields, and both store energy, so the wave transports energy. It also exerts a pressure on a surface it strikes, which shows that it carries momentum as well. It has no particles of matter in it.
Note: This question is from the pre-rationalised NCERT book (2022-23). The topic was removed from the latest NCERT book (2026-27), and it also appears to be out of the CUET 2026 syllabus.
NCERT (Pre-rationalised edition, 2022-23):
Summary – “… 6. Electromagnetic waves carry energy as they travel through space and this energy is shared equally by the electric and magnetic fields. Electromagnetic waves transport momentum as well.”