What Natural State Are Electromagnetic Waves?

[David H]

The four states of matter are gas, liquid, solid and plasma, but what state are EM waves such as radio or light?

[malagabob]

In physics, electromagnetic radiation refers to the waves of the electromagnetic field, propagating through space, carrying electromagnetic radiant energy. It includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Wikipedia

[Old_Geezer]

They are energy, not matter. The changing magnetic field generates the electric field, and the changing electric field generates the magnetic field.

I think the question must be invalid.

[spathiphyllum]

The answer would be, "None of the above".

Waves would be classed as an electromagnetic force.

For example... Gravity isn't a solid, a liquid or a gas.

[jim360]

As above, EM radiation isn't matter, so doesn't occupy a state. It's also worth adding that there are more states of matter than just the four you mention -- although those are the most common and most well-known, and the remaining states of matter are only attainable in extreme conditions.

[spathiphyllum]

For example.. a Supersolid

[spathiphyllum]

Supersolid is a quantum state of matter in which a substance flows with zero viscosity.