Which type of waves are gamma rays classified as?

Gamma rays are classified as electromagnetic waves, which is the correct answer. This classification is rooted in the fundamental characteristics of gamma rays. They are high-frequency waves within the electromagnetic spectrum, similar to visible light, radio waves, and X-rays. Unlike mechanical waves, which require a medium (like air or water) to propagate, electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum. This allows gamma rays to move through space and carry energy without the need for material support.

In the context of physics, understanding the nature of gamma rays as electromagnetic radiation is essential, particularly when studying their properties, such as speed (which is always the speed of light in a vacuum), energy, and the way they interact with matter. This aspect distinguishes them from the other types of waves mentioned in the question, such as mechanical waves that rely on matter to transmit energy, and acoustic waves, which are a specific type of mechanical wave involving sound.