How do sound waves differ from electromagnetic waves?

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Solution

Here are some points which show the difference between sound and EM waves -
Sound Waves Electromagnetic waves
1. Sound waves are mechanical waves. Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves.
2. Sound waves need a material medium to travel. Electromagnetic waves do not need any material medium for their propagation.
3. Sound waves cannot travel through vacuum. These waves can travel through vacuum.
4. Sound waves are due to the vibrations of the material particles of the medium. Electromagnetic waves are due to the oscillating electrical and magnetic fields in space.
5. Sound waves travel at low speeds: about 344 m/s at 20⁰C in air. Electromagnetic waves travel with the speed of light (3 x 10⁸m/s) in vacuum.

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	Sound Waves	Electromagnetic waves
1.	Sound waves are mechanical waves.	Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves.
2.	Sound waves need a material medium to travel.	Electromagnetic waves do not need any material medium for their propagation.
3.	Sound waves cannot travel through vacuum.	These waves can travel through vacuum.
4.	Sound waves are due to the vibrations of the material particles of the medium.	Electromagnetic waves are due to the oscillating electrical and magnetic fields in space.
5.	Sound waves travel at low speeds: about 344 m/s at 20⁰C in air.	Electromagnetic waves travel with the speed of light (3 x 10⁸m/s) in vacuum.