Question

How do you compare and contrast sound waves and electromagnetic waves?

Answer 1

Hint:Sound waves are longitudinal waves that travel through air or water or in other words sound waves travel through material medium to propagate. Electromagnetic waves are the result of the vibration between electric and magnetic fields. Using the various properties of Sound and Electromagnetic waves we will make the comparison between the two.

Complete step by step answer:First we will discuss sound waves and electromagnetic waves and then we will make the comparison.
Electromagnetic waves are formed when an electric field comes in contact with a magnetic field and hence they are called electromagnetic waves. Electric field and magnetic field are both perpendicular to each other and both the fields are perpendicular to Electromagnetic waves as well. Electromagnetic waves travel with a velocity of $3 \times {10^8}$ m/s in vacuum.
Sound waves are vibrations which get produced through a transmission medium such as gas, liquid and solid. Waves produced due to the oscillations in pressure, stress, particle displacement, particle velocity etc. Sound waves require a material medium to travel through and do not travel in vacuum.
Comparisons between the two waves are;
Sound waves are longitudinal waves which vibrate parallel to the vibrations but Electromagnetic waves propagate perpendicular to electric and magnetic fields. Sound waves need a material medium to propagate but the Electromagnetic waves does not need a material medium to propagate. Electromagnetic waves travel fastest in vacuum and sound waves travel fastest in the medium which is denser such as solids. Sound waves propagate through actual vibration of the particles whereas electromagnetic waves are due to the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields.

Note:
Applications of Electromagnetic waves are; used to transmit TV or radio waves or wireless signals. Responsible for the transfer of energies in the form of visible light, microwaves and infrared waves. In the similar manner sound waves are used for Navigation purposes(SONAR devices), Bats use ultrasonic waves to find their path at night.