Question

State four differences between the sound wave and the light wave.

Answer 1

Differences between the sound wave and light wave:
Light waves:

1. They are produced from the electrons in an excited state.
2. They travel at a very high speed of 3 x 108 ms-1 in air.
3. They can travel through vacuum.
4. Their velocity does not change with the change in temperature, humidity, etc.
5. They can produce the sensation of vision.

Sound waves:

1. They are produced due to vibrations of various objects in a material medium.
2. They travel in air at a very low speed of 332 ms-1 at 20°C.
3. They cannot travel through vacuum and always require some material medium for propagation.
4. Their velocity changes with the change in velocity, humidity, etc.
5. They can produce the sensation of hearing.