Question

question 16 of 25
how do light waves differ from sound waves?
a. light waves are faster and do not require a medium.
b. light waves are slower and require a medium.
c. light waves are slower and do not require a medium.
d. light waves are faster and require a medium.

Explanation:

Light waves are electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum (no medium is needed). Sound waves are mechanical waves and need a medium (like air, water, or solids) to propagate. Also, the speed of light in a vacuum (\(c = 3\times10^{8}\ m/s\)) is much faster than the speed of sound (for example, speed of sound in air at \(20^{\circ}C\) is approximately \(v = 343\ m/s\)).

Answer:

A. Light waves are faster and do not require a medium.