What is an electromagnetic wave? How does it differ from a sound wave?

An electromagnetic wave is a type of wave that results from the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields. These waves do not require a medium to propagate, which means they can travel through both air and space, or even in a vacuum. The spectrum of electromagnetic waves includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, visible light, ultraviolet waves, X-rays, and gamma rays, with each type having distinct frequencies and wavelengths.

Sound waves are mechanical waves that result from the vibrations of particles in a medium, such as air, water, or solid materials. These waves require a medium to propagate and cannot travel through a vacuum. Sound travels as longitudinal waves, which means the particles in the medium oscillate in the same direction as the wave's propagation. The properties of sound waves include frequency, wavelength, speed, and amplitude.

The main differences between electromagnetic waves and sound waves arise from their nature, propagation, and the spectrum they cover. Here are some key differences: 1. Electromagnetic waves are oscillations of electric and magnetic fields, while sound waves are mechanical vibrations of particles in a medium. 2. Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum, while sound waves require a medium to propagate. 3. The speed of an electromagnetic wave in a vacuum is approximately 3.00 x 10^8 m/s (the speed of light), whereas the speed of sound in air is approximately 343 m/s at room temperature. 4. Electromagnetic waves can have a much broader range of frequencies and wavelengths, while sound waves typically have frequencies within the range of human hearing (20 Hz - 20 kHz).