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The Difference Between Sound Waves and Light Waves Are
The Difference Between Sound Waves and Light Waves Are
Sound Waves
1. Require a medium.
Light Waves
Audible sound has frequencies that cover a very big range, from about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, meaning that
the pressure at your ear oscillates back and forth 20 to 20,000 times per second. Each frequency gives a
different audible pitch. Visible light has frequencies from around 4*10^14 Hz to around 8*10^14 Hz. Each
frequency gives a slightly different visible color. Not only are the light frequencies much higher, but the
highest one is only about twice the lowest one. The sound frequencies are much lower, and the highest
one is a thousand times higher than the lowest one. So you can see that there’s no direct match between
the sound and light oscillations.
There are many different kinds of waves. Waves can carry a little energy
or a lot. They can be short or long. They can be rare or frequent. They can
travel fast or slow. Sound waves, light waves, X-rays, microwaves, and ocean
waves are but a few examples. All waves, however, share certain basic
characteristics.
resting position.
For example, the X-axis might represent a calm sea or a
tight rope. The vibrational movements of the wave are
shown on the Y-axis. The highest points on the graph are
called peaks or crests. The lowest points are called troughs.
o Amplitude
Some waves are very high, while others are barely noticeable. The
distance the wave rises depends on the amplitude of the wave. Amplitude is
the maximum distance the medium (the material through which a wave travels)
moves away from its rest position. The higher the wave moves up-and-down as
it vibrates, the larger the amplitude of the resulting waves.
Wavelength
The distance between two consecutive (one after another) crests or troughs of
a wave is called the wavelength. The wavelength can be measured from any point on
a wave as long as it is measured to the same point on the next wave.
o Frequency
There are millions of different sounds in everyday life. Each sound having
certain characteristics that make it unique. Think about the many sounds you
hear everyday. How you hear and describe a sound depends on the physical
characteristics of the sound wave.
Key point here: Sound waves that have a high frequency are heard as
sounds of high pitch. A violin produces high-pitched sounds. Sound waves
that have a low frequency are heard as sounds of low pitch. A tuba
produces low-pitched sounds.
Properties of Light
What does sunlight have in common with the X-rays used in a doctor's
office? Are you surprised to learn that they are both waves? They're not matter
waves that you can hear or feel. They are electromagnetic waves.
Electromagnetic waves disturb electric and magnetic fields. These waves can
be transmitted through a vacuum (space free of particles). They do not depend
on particles of matter.