What is the Difference Between Speed of Light and Sound?

The speed of light and the speed of sound are significantly different, with light being much faster than sound. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Speed of Light: The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 300,000,000 m/s (299,297,456.2 km/s). Light is an electromagnetic wave and can travel in a vacuum, meaning it does not require a medium to propagate.
• Speed of Sound: The speed of sound in air is about 343 m/s at 20°C. Sound is a mechanical wave and requires a medium, such as air, to travel. The speed of sound in water is about four times faster than in air.

To illustrate the difference in speeds, consider this example: If you see a flash of light and it takes 5 seconds before you hear the noise, the flash is approximately 1.5 miles away. This is because sound takes about 5 seconds to travel 1 mile. In contrast, light travels at a speed of approximately 300,000,000 m/s, making it nearly instantaneous over short distances.

In summary, the speed of light is much faster than the speed of sound, with light traveling at approximately 300,000,000 m/s and sound traveling at around 343 m/s in air.

Comparative Table: Speed of Light vs Sound

The speed of light and the speed of sound are vastly different. Here is a table summarizing their key differences:

The speed of light is approximately 900,000 times faster than the speed of sound. Light waves are electromagnetic waves, meaning they can travel in a vacuum, while sound waves are mechanical waves and require a medium to travel, such as air.