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Similarities

1. They are the basis of the two most important human senses

2. Each frequency is associated with a unique sensation (red or green, C or E)

3. There is a range outside which humans are not able to detect them (infrared and ultraviolet, infrasound and ultrasound)

Differences

1.-Sound is a longitudinal wave, light is a transversal wave (sound has no polarization, light do have it)

2.-Sound is a pressure wave, sound is a electromagnetic wave (sound needs matter to propagate, light can propagate in a vacuum)

3. From the human point of view, wavelength of sound is relatively large while wavelength of light is relatively small (diffraction of sound is stronger than diffraction of light, so sound can get around obstacles while light seems to travel in a straight line).

4. Two frequencies of sound are heard as separate components of a chord. Two frequencies of light are confused in a sensation similar to a third non-existent frequency (C,E and G are heard as the C major chord, red and green are seen as yellow)

5.-We are able to perceive the direction from which a sound come only in an unidimensional (horizontal) dimension. We are able to perceive the direction from which a light come in a bidimensional map (an image).

It is seems to me that differences are more interesting than similarities.

LydiaAC

Mexicali B.C. Mexico

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βˆ™ 15y ago
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βˆ™ 5mo ago

Sound and light waves are both forms of energy that propagate through a medium or vacuum. They both exhibit properties of reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference. Both waves can be characterized by their frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and velocity.

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βˆ™ 15y ago

Radio waves and light waves are both forms of electromagnetic energy. The difference is the frequency (or wavelength or energy). Light is higher frequency (shorter wavelength and higher energy) electromagnetic radiation. Radio waves are lower frequency. Microwaves are generally thought of as the highest frequency radio waves, and they are below the infrared (IR) radiation spectrum. This is light that is below the optical (visible) spectrum.

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βˆ™ 13y ago

Here are three that I can think of off the top of my head:

1. Both are caused by vibrations

2. Both carry energy

3. Neither move matter

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βˆ™ 11y ago

They are both electromagnetic rays and both are produced by stellar objects.

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βˆ™ 11y ago

They both transmit energy

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Q: Similarities of sound and light waves?
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What are some similarities and differences between the light and sound waves?

Similarities: Both light and sound waves are forms of energy that travel in waves. They can both be reflected, refracted, and diffracted. Differences: Light waves can travel through a vacuum, while sound waves require a medium to travel through. Light waves are electromagnetic waves, while sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium to propagate. Light waves travel much faster than sound waves.


What are 3 similarities in light waves and sound waves?

Both light waves and sound waves are forms of energy that travel in waves, they can be reflected, refracted and diffracted. Both can also exhibit properties like interference and polarization.


What are differences and similarities of sound and light?

Differences: Sound is a mechanical wave that requires a medium to travel, while light is an electromagnetic wave that can travel through a vacuum. Sound travels slower than light. Sound waves are longitudinal, while light waves are transverse. Similarities: Both sound and light waves exhibit wave properties such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference. Both can be described in terms of frequency and wavelength. Sound and light can both create patterns, such as standing waves.


What is an explanation of how energy travels in waves to produce light and sound?

In both light and sound, energy is carried through waves. Light travels in electromagnetic waves, where energy is carried by photons. Sound travels in mechanical waves, where energy is carried by vibrating molecules in a medium (such as air or water). The energy from these waves is transferred from one point to another, creating the sensation of light and sound.


Are sound waves transverse waves while light waves are longitudinal waves or are all sound waves and light waves longitudinal waves?

Sound waves are longitudinal waves, where the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave. Light waves, on the other hand, are transverse waves, where the oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

Related questions

What are some similarities and differences between the light and sound waves?

Similarities: Both light and sound waves are forms of energy that travel in waves. They can both be reflected, refracted, and diffracted. Differences: Light waves can travel through a vacuum, while sound waves require a medium to travel through. Light waves are electromagnetic waves, while sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium to propagate. Light waves travel much faster than sound waves.


What are 3 similarities in light waves and sound waves?

Both light waves and sound waves are forms of energy that travel in waves, they can be reflected, refracted and diffracted. Both can also exhibit properties like interference and polarization.


What are differences and similarities of sound and light?

Differences: Sound is a mechanical wave that requires a medium to travel, while light is an electromagnetic wave that can travel through a vacuum. Sound travels slower than light. Sound waves are longitudinal, while light waves are transverse. Similarities: Both sound and light waves exhibit wave properties such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference. Both can be described in terms of frequency and wavelength. Sound and light can both create patterns, such as standing waves.


What the similarities between echoes of sound and images in a mirror?

Echoes of sound and images in a mirror involves sound waves and light waves respectively being reflected off a surface.


What are similarities of light and sound?

They both travel in the form of waves, and they both travel very fast.


Similarities between sound waves made by a guitar and sound waves made by a flute?

there are none


Do light and sound both move in waves?

Yes, both light and sound can be described as waves. Light waves are electromagnetic waves, while sound waves are mechanical waves. They both propagate through a medium, although light can also travel through a vacuum.


Are sound waves stronger than light waves?

No because light waves are stronger and brighter and sound waves are light and dull


Why the radio waves are similar to light waves but not sound wavesexplain?

Radio and light waves are electromagnetic waves, sound waves are not.


Why are light and sound waves?

light and sound are in waves, because when a sound is made, such as a gun shot, the sound rips through the air in waves. as for light? noidea bro.


How are light and sound alike?

Sound and light are VERY Different. They are both waves... But light can travel through a vacuum and sound requires a medium (matter... Ex. air or water) to travel through. Also they are 2 different kinds of waves (Light~ Transverse, and Sound~ Longitudinal) Though there are some similarities. Both are waves. Therefore they have wavelengths, frequencies, amplitudes, and speeds. They both can be measured also.


What is an explanation of how energy travels in waves to produce light and sound?

In both light and sound, energy is carried through waves. Light travels in electromagnetic waves, where energy is carried by photons. Sound travels in mechanical waves, where energy is carried by vibrating molecules in a medium (such as air or water). The energy from these waves is transferred from one point to another, creating the sensation of light and sound.