Question

evidence of learning: sound waves
instruction: do the following multiple - choice questions:
1 multiple choice 1 point
which is one way sound waves are different from light waves?
b. sound waves travel at a slower speed than light waves.
d. sound waves are a source of energy but light waves are not
c. sound waves have shorter wavelengths than light waves.
a. sound waves travel through space but light waves cannot.

Explanation:

• Option A: Light waves can travel through space (electromagnetic waves), while sound waves cannot (need a medium). So this option is wrong.
• Option B: The speed of sound in air is about 343 m/s, while the speed of light is approximately \(3\times10^{8}\) m/s. Sound waves do travel slower than light waves. This option is correct.
• Option C: Sound waves have much longer wavelengths than light waves. For example, audible sound wavelengths range from about 1.7 cm to 17 m, while visible - light wavelengths are in the range of 400 - 700 nm. So this option is wrong.
• Option D: Both sound waves and light waves are sources of energy. Sound waves carry mechanical energy, and light waves carry electromagnetic energy. So this option is wrong.

Answer:

B. Sound waves travel at a slower speed than light waves.