Why can't you hear any noise in space?

To understand this, we must first know how sound energy gets from one place to another. This is done via waves, of which there are two different types: longitudinal and transverse. 
Light is a transverse wave which travels just like a piece of string would if it was fixed at one end and moved up and down at another, and looks like a sine wave.
Sound, however is longitudinal which means energy (sound in this case) moves along by hitting the atoms next to it. These atoms then vibrate and hit their neighbours and so on. Eventually these vibrations reach our eardrum and start vibrating that which is how we hear. 
Space is a vaccum meaning there are no particles to vibrate. If nothing can vibrate then no energy can be transferred meaning no noise!

JT
Answered by James T. Physics tutor

4204 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Derive the kinetic theory equation pV=Nm/3(crms2) for an ideal gas.


How do I solve a problem about a mass on a slide?


The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) of circumference 27km uses magnetic fields to accelerate a proton repeatedly in a circular path. Calculate the flux density of a uniform magnetic field required for the proton to travel at a tenth of the speed of light.


How do I find the half-life of radioactive isotope?


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning