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Compression waves, such as sound, cannot move through space due to the lack of a medium. Transverse waves, such as light and radiation, can move through a vacuum such as space. This is related to Einstein's theory of relativity, in which he states that Mass and Energy are the same thing. Essentially, transverse waves, which move at the speed of light, are moving fast enough to metaphorically be their own medium, as stated by the equation E=MC2 (Energy traveling at the speed of light is what we call a photon, which is a very hard concept to explain. The best I can do off the top of my head is that it's almost like it's matter and energy at the same time). Since the energy is it's own medium, the energy can travel through a vacuum, where there is no other medium to support it.
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What do you call any disturbance that lets energy pass through matter or empty space?
A wave.
Can sound energy pass through an empty space?
Never. Sound propagates as longitudinal waves which are a kind of mechanical waves. These waves require a medium for them to pass. The medium can be either solid, liquid or gaseous. Thus, in empty space i.e. vacuum, sound can never pass.
Can radio waves pass through a vacuum?
Yes, radio waves can pass through a vacuum because they are a form of electromagnetic waves. Unlike sound waves, which require a medium to travel through, electromagnetic waves do not need a medium and can propagate through empty space.
Why light can pass through empty space?
Light can pass through empty space because it is an electromagnetic wave that does not require a medium to propagate. In a vacuum, light can travel freely due to its dual nature as both a particle and a wave.
Does sound travel fastest in empty space?
No, sound cannot travel in empty space because it requires a medium to propagate, such as air, water, or a solid material. In a vacuum, there is no medium for sound waves to travel through, so they cannot propagate. Sound travels fastest through solids because the particles are closer together, allowing for faster transmission of the waves.
