physics

Sound waves and electromagnetic waves are both examples of waves, but they have several key differences. Types: Sound waves are mechanical waves, or waves that require a medium to travel through, whereas electromagnetic waves are waves which do not require a medium and can travel through the vacuum of outer space. Speed: The speed of both sound and electromagnetic waves is determined by the medium through which it travels. Sound waves travel at about 340 m/s through air, whereas electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light, around 300 million m/s. Frequency: The frequency of sound waves is measured in hertz (Hz) and ranges from about 20 Hz up to 20,000 Hz, depending on the pitch. Electromagnetic waves, on the other hand, have a wide range of frequencies that can range from extremely low frequency (ELF) waves all the way up to gamma rays. Wavelength: The wavelength of sound waves is usually between 1 millimeter and 10 meters, while the wavelength of electromagnetic waves can range from a fraction of a millimeter up to several kilometers. Energy: Sound waves are non-ionizing forms of energy, meaning they have low energy levels and cannot cause damage to living cells. Electromagnetic waves, however, are ionizing forms of energy and can cause damage to living tissue.