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Slower than the speed of an electromagnetic wave in a vacuum by about 3 parts in 10,000. The speed of light in any medium is related to the refractive index of that medium. The refractive index of vacuum is 1, the refractive index of air is about 1.0003.
It is noteworthy that the speed of electromagnetic waves in media other than a vacuum depend on their wavelength. In standard air, the speed is c/ns where ns (the refractive index) is given by the dispersion equation below in which σ is equal to one over the vacuum wavelength. It is also interesting that the refractive index is changing over time as more and more carbon dioxide accumulates in the atmosphere.
(ns − 1) × 108 = 8 342.54 + 2 406 147(130 − σ2)−1 + 15 998(38.9 − σ2)−1
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoVibrational waves may travel through Beryllium at almost 13 000 metres per second.
In general, mechanical waves travel fastest through a solid, next fastest through a liquid, and slowest through a gas.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago343.2 meters per seco
nd (sound speed)
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoIn SI units with dry air at 20 °C (68 °F), the speed of sound c = 343 m/s.
This also equates to 1235 km/h, 767 mph, or 1125 ft/s.
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What do electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves have in common?
They can both travel through a medium.
What do mechanical waves travel through?
a medium such as air.
What do Mechanical waves must travel through?
Mechanical waves may travel through any medium except vacuum.
Which medium would sound travel the fastest?
Sound travels fastest through a nonporous solid medium, such as steel.
A wave that travels through a medium?
We know that a mechanical wave requires a medium through which to travel. The source puts the energy into the medium, and it propagates. A sound wave is a good example of this, and we can contrast it with an electromagnetic wave (like light). Light can travel through a vacuum; it doesn't require a medium for its propagation.
What needs a medium substance to travel through?
Mechanical waves need a medium substance to travel through. Electromagnetic do not.
What do electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves have in common?
They can both travel through a medium.
How mechanical and electromagnetic wave are different?
The biggest difference is that mechanical waves require a medium to travel through and electromagnetic waves do not.
Due mechanical waves need a medium to travel through?
Yes, mechanical waves do need a medium in order to travel. Other waves, such as light, do not (thus they can travel through space).
What can a mechanical waves travel through?
A medium which is air
What can travel only through a medium?
mechanical waves
What do mechanical waves travel through?
a medium such as air.
What do Mechanical waves must travel through?
Mechanical waves may travel through any medium except vacuum.
Which medium would sound travel the fastest?
Sound travels fastest through a nonporous solid medium, such as steel.
A wave that travels through a medium?
We know that a mechanical wave requires a medium through which to travel. The source puts the energy into the medium, and it propagates. A sound wave is a good example of this, and we can contrast it with an electromagnetic wave (like light). Light can travel through a vacuum; it doesn't require a medium for its propagation.
Why are sound waves not considered a mechanical wave?
Mechanical waves are waves that require a medium in which to travel, i.e., a solid or fluid. As sound needs a medium to travel, sound is a mechanical wave.
A mechanical wave can travel only through what?
A medium which is air
