Atomic bombs send out a shock wave when they are detonated. this occurs because the bomb’s detonation superheats the air particles nearby, which cause them to bump into other air particles that further the wave.
which statement can most likely be made about the shock waves of atomic bombs?
a. they are a mechanical waves.
b. they are an electromagnetic waves.
c. they will act like x-rays.
d. they will act like light rays

The right answer is A.They are a mechanical waves.

A shock wave is a type of wave, mechanical or of another nature, associated with the idea of a sudden transition. It can take the form of a wave of high pressure, and is often created by an explosion or a shock of high intensity.

Phase B of the nuclear explosion is characterized by the appearance of a transfer of mechanical energy. When the fireball cooling down reaches 300 000 ° C, its expansion velocity by radiative transfer becomes equal to the speed of sound in the plasma. At this moment, a shock wave is formed on the surface of the fireball: it is the "hydrodynamic separation", moment when the fireball has its first maximum of brightness.

Option A, They are a mechanical waves.

Explanation:

All mechanical waves such as sound waves, seismic waves, shock waves, gravity waves etc. require some sort of medium for transmission. For instance seismic waves uses underground earth as a medium, sound waves uses water, air etc. as a medium likewise shock waves also need some medium. In the question it is mentioned that shock waves are travelling by bumping onto air particles. Air is also a kind of medium of transmission and hence, shock waves are also mechanical waves.

Thus, option A is correct