Jump to content

Sound waves in a vacuum

Bushranger
in Classical Physics

Featured Replies

Sound waves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum as are light and radio waves.  However, sound waves cannot pass through a vacuum.  Why/how is it that they cannot?

Just now, Bushranger said:

Sound waves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum as are light and radio waves.  However, sound waves cannot pass through a vacuum.  Why/how is it that they cannot?

Because they are pressure waves not electromagnetic.  They propagate through the air...  of which there is none in a vacuum.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Configure browser push notifications
Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.