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Q: What can light do that sound waves can not do?
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Light and sound waves have many similar properties however light waves are what while sound waves are what?

Light waves are eletromagnetic waves and sound waves are mechanical waves. Additionally, a light wave is a transverse wave that does not require a medium through which to travel. Sound waves, on the other hand, are longitudinal waves where the source transfers the mechanical energy of the sound wave into the medium so it can travel.


Differences between light and sound waves?

The differences between light and sound are as follows:Light can be considered to be made of waves as well as particles. Sound is only a wave. It does not show particle nature.Light waves are electromagnetic waves while sound waves are mechanical waves.Light waves are transverse while sound waves are longitudinal.Light waves can travel in vacuum. Sound waves require a material medium to travel, and hence, cannot travel in vacuum.The speed of light in a medium is constant. The velocity of sound waves can change.In sound waves, the particles of the medium actually oscillate. In a light wave, the electric and magnetic vectors oscillate.Light waves can be polarized, but sound waves cannot.Light waves travel much faster than sound waves. The speed of light is a physical constant. Its value is exactly 299,792,458 metres per second in vacuuum. The speed of sound is 343 metres per second in dry air at 20°C.And finally, a simple one - you can see light while you can hear sound.


What is faster then sound waves?

speed of light


Can sound waves be polarized like electromagnetic waves can?

For polarization the direction of the oscillation has to be perpendicular to the direction of travel. In sound waves, which are longitudinal waves, this isn't the case and thereby can not be polarized.


Light waves are classified as what waves?

Optical light waves are "Electromagnetic" waves. The colour seen is dependent on the wavelength of the light. Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves where the oscillation is 90 degrees to the direction of travel (unlike sound waves which are longitudinal).

Related questions

Do light and sound both move in waves?

Light and sound both move in waves. Light is much faster than sound. Light waves are smaller than sound waves.


What is an explanation of how energy travels in waves to produce light and sound?

Light travels in waves, and sound travels in waves. However, sound waves and light waves are very different, and it is important not to confuse the two. Light travels in electromagnetic waves, and sound does not. Sound waves are caused by vibration.


Are sound waves stronger than light waves?

No because light waves are stronger and brighter and sound waves are light and dull


Why the radio waves are similar to light waves but not sound wavesexplain?

Radio and light waves are electromagnetic waves, sound waves are not.


Are sound waves transverse waves while light waves are longitudinal waves or are all sound waves and light waves longitudinal waves?

Light waves are transverse.Sound waves may be transverse or longitudinal. Sound in gases can only be longitudinal.


Why are light and sound waves?

light and sound are in waves, because when a sound is made, such as a gun shot, the sound rips through the air in waves. as for light? noidea bro.


How do sound waves travel compared to light waves?

light waves fast


Which travels at a greater speed light waves or sound waves?

Light Waves.


Light and sound waves have many similar properties however light waves are what while sound waves are what?

Light waves are eletromagnetic waves and sound waves are mechanical waves. Additionally, a light wave is a transverse wave that does not require a medium through which to travel. Sound waves, on the other hand, are longitudinal waves where the source transfers the mechanical energy of the sound wave into the medium so it can travel.


Light and sound waves have many similar properties however light waves are while sound waves are?

transverse; longitudinal.


What travels only through matter light waves sound waves or radio waves?

sound waves


Why is diffraction of sound waves more easily observed than diffraction of light waves?

sound waves travel fast than light waves