What are the differences between electromagnetic waves and sound waves?

This is definitely not for a job. Just in preparation for my exam tomorrow. I don’t really find this answer in my course. This question was under “to know”.

Asker: Mathieu, age 18

Answer

Differences are :
– EM waves are electromagnetic energy, while sound waves are a form of mechanical energy.
– EM waves do not require a medium and can propagate in a vacuum, while sound waves do require a medium (air, water, metal..)
– EM waves are transverse waves while sound waves are longitudinal.

See also on:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_basic_difference_between_light_waves_and_sound_waves
for your and related questions.

What are the differences between electromagnetic waves and sound waves?

Answered by

prof.dr. Paul Hellings

Department of Mathematics, Fac. IIW, KU Leuven

Catholic University of Leuven
Old Market 13 3000 Leuven
https://www.kuleuven.be/

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