What are some key differences between sound and light waves?

Sound waves have mass, as they are the longitudinal (along the path of the wave) vibration shockwave of molecule, while light waves do not, as they are the transverse displacement of just energy.

Sound waves cannot travel in a vacuum, as they require a medium of massive particle to be transvered, but light wave can, as they are simply a form of energy.

In spite of this, the basic properties of waves still apply to both - light and sound can be reflected by objects, they can be refracted in different media, they have wavelength and frequency, and they can interfere to change the magnitude of a wave at any point.

Answered by Yaniv P. Physics tutor

50098 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

define 1 volt


Trolley A weighs 5kg and is moving at 15m/s to the right. It collides with a stationary Trolley B, weighing 10kg more than Trolley A. After the collision they move off together. Calulate the velocity that they move off with.


What is an atom?


What is electricity


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences