62.2k views
3 votes
What is the principal difference between a radio wave and light?

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

Sound waves and radio waves are completely different phenomena. Sound waves create pressure variations in matter, while radio waves are electromagnetic waves that don't need a medium to propagate.

Step-by-step explanation:

Misconception Alert: Sound Waves vs. Radio Waves

Many people confuse sound waves with radio waves, one type of electromagnetic (EM) wave. However, sound and radio waves are completely different phenomena. Sound creates pressure variations (waves) in matter, such as air or water, or your eardrum. Conversely, radio waves are electromagnetic waves, like visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. EM waves don't need a medium in which to propagate; they can travel through a vacuum, such as outer space.

User Andrey Yasinishyn
by
8.4k points

No related questions found