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Chapter 29: Problem 4

List some similarities and differences between electromagnetic waves and sound waves.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Similarities include the energies transferred, reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction and properties of wavelength, frequency and speed. Differences include source of origin (vibration of charged particles vs. vibration of particles in a medium), propagation medium (none vs. required), speed (speed of light vs. slower), and type of wave (transverse vs. longitudinal).

Step by step solution

01

Understand the basic nature of Waves

Both electromagnetic and sound waves exhibit wave-like properties such as reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference.
02

Identify Similarities

1) Both types of waves transfer energy from one place to another. 2) Both reflect, refract and experience interference and diffraction. 3) Both have properties of wavelength, frequency and speed.
03

Identify Differences

1) Electromagnetic waves are created by the vibration of charged particles, can travel through a vacuum and travel much faster (at the speed of light). They do not require a medium for propagation. 2) Sound waves, on the other hand, are mechanical waves caused by the vibration of particles in a medium (like solids, liquids and gases), they require a medium for propagation and travel at lower speeds. 3) Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves while sound waves are longitudinal waves.

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