Energy waves travel in which type of lines?

Energy waves, such as light waves or sound waves, typically travel in straight lines under ideal conditions. This principle is rooted in the nature of wave propagation, where waves move from their source in the direction of energy transfer. The straight-line travel of waves is particularly evident in phenomena like light traveling through a vacuum or sound waves moving through air, where obstacles and mediums do not significantly alter their path.

In addition, the concept of straight-line propagation is crucial in understanding how energy waves interact with various surfaces, such as reflection and refraction. For example, when light encounters a reflective surface, it reflects while maintaining the angle of incidence, demonstrating the straight-line path of the propagation.

Therefore, the selection that identifies straight lines as the direction of travel for energy waves accurately encapsulates a fundamental principle of wave behavior in physics.