What are the differences between sound waves and electromagnetic waves?

Propagation:
Sound waves are longitudinal, meaning that the vibrations occur parallel to the direction of propagation (travel).

Electromagnetic waves are transverse, meaning that the vibrations occur perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

Medium:
Sound waves are physical, so the oscillations are formed from vibrating solid liquid or gas, so require a medium to travel through.

Electromagnetic waves cause oscillations in electric and magnetic fields, so do not require a medium.

Speed:
Sound waves travel at about 300 m/s (but is dependent on the medium).

Electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light, i.e. around 300,000,000 m/s.

WL
Answered by Wendy L. Physics tutor

60840 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What types of radiation are there?


There is an oil tank that has a rectangular base of dimensions 2.4 m by 1.5 m. The tank is filled with oil of density 850 kg / m3 to a depth of 1.5 m. What is the mass of the oil?


A person swims from a depth of 0.50 m to a depth of 1.70 m below the surface of the sea. Density of the sea water = 1030 kg/m^3. Gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg. Calculate the increase in pressure on the swimmer. Give the unit.


Given an ammeter voltmeter a battery and a lamp how will you find the resistance of the lamp?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences