Difference between Light and Sound Waves

Distinguish, differentiate, compare and explain what is the Difference between Light and Sound Waves. Comparison and Differences.

A sound wave is a mechanical wave produced by a vibrating object. When the object vibrates, it causes the molecules around it to compress (come together) and expand (separate back out). This is called a longitudinal wave. This compression and expansion pattern travels through the medium (solid, liquid or gas) until it reaches your ear. Remember, sound cannot travel through empty space or a vacuum. Sound travels faster through solids than through liquids and gases.

Visible Light Waves: This is the only part of the electromagnetic spectrum that our eyes an see. It’s the kind of waves we are most familiar with, but in the grand scheme of the electromagnetic spectrum it is only a very narrow band of wavelengths, from about 0.35 micrometers to 0.9 micrometers.

Difference between Light and Sound Waves

1. Light waves are electromagnetic waves. Sound waves are mechanical waves.

2. Light waves can travel in vacuum. Sound wave require a material medium for propagation.

3. The speed of light waves is very high propagation. (= 3 x 10⁸ m/s in air). The speed of sound waves is low (=330 m/s in air)

4. The wavelength of the light waves. (visible) is very small, of the order of 10^-6 m. The wavelength of sound waves is in the range of 10^-2 m to 10m.

5. Light waves are transverse. Sound waves are longitudinal waves.

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Difference between Sound Waves vs Light

Light vs Sound Waves

Differences between Sound Waves vs Light