What is the Difference Between Light and Sound?

Light and sound are both forms of energy that can be described as waves, but they have several key differences:

1. Speed: Light waves move at speeds of around 186,000 miles (or 299,792 kilometers) per second, which is nearly one million times faster than sound waves. Sound waves travel at speeds of about 1,125 feet (about 340 meters) per second.
2. Medium: Sound waves require a material medium to travel, such as solid, liquid, or gas, and cannot travel through empty space. In contrast, light waves can travel through empty space.
3. Nature: Sound waves are mechanical waves, and they consist of longitudinal vibrations of molecules. Light waves, on the other hand, are electromagnetic waves, which exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties.
4. Mass: Sound waves have mass, as they are the longitudinal vibration shockwave of molecules. In contrast, light waves do not have mass, as they are the transverse displacement of energy.

Despite these differences, both light and sound waves share some common properties. They can be reflected by objects, refracted in different media, have wavelength and frequency, and can interfere to change the magnitude of a wave at any point.

Comparative Table: Light vs Sound

Here is a table comparing the differences between light and sound waves:

Light waves are transverse electromagnetic waves responsible for the sensation of sight, while sound waves are longitudinal mechanical waves that require a medium to carry their energy forward.