---
title: "S8P4: Electromagnetic vs. Mechanical Waves (Georgia Science standard)"
code: S8P4
cite_as: Georgia Standards of Excellence, Science, S8P4
subject: science
grades:
  - grade-8
language: en
canonical_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/S8P4
md_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/S8P4.md
alternate_language_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/es/standards/code/S8P4.md
source_url: https://case.georgiastandards.org/ims/case/v1p1/CFDocuments/27a08dc6-416e-11e7-ba71-02bd89fdd987
source_last_changed: 2025-05-29
data_built: 2026-09-18
publisher: Georgia Homeroom, a free public-interest project of Georgia Civic Data. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Georgia Department of Education or any school district.
up: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/grade-8.md
index: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/index.md
---

# S8P4: Electromagnetic vs. Mechanical Waves

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to support the claim that electromagnetic (light) waves behave differently than mechanical (sound) waves.

- Subject: Science
- Appears in: Grade 8, https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/grade-8.md

## Expectations

- **S8P4.a**: Ask questions to develop explanations about the similarities and differences between electromagnetic and mechanical waves.
- **S8P4.b**: Construct an explanation using data to illustrate the relationship between the electromagnetic spectrum and energy.
- **S8P4.c**: Design a device to illustrate practical applications of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., communication, medical, military).
- **S8P4.d**: Develop and use a model to compare and contrast how light and sound waves are reflected, refracted, absorbed, diffracted or transmitted through various materials.
- **S8P4.e**: Analyze and interpret data to predict patterns in the relationship between density of media and wave behavior (i.e., speed).
- **S8P4.f**: Develop and use a model (e.g., simulations, graphs, illustrations) to predict and describe the relationships between wave properties (e.g., frequency, amplitude, and wavelength) and energy.
- **S8P4.g**: Develop and use models to demonstrate the effects that lenses have on light (i.e., formation an image) and their possible technological applications.

## Georgia Milestones coverage

- Science Grade 8 (EOG). Waves. Waves (about 24% of the test; 11 points)

Source: Georgia Standards of Excellence, published by the Georgia Department of Education at case.georgiastandards.org.