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Glossary of a Wave is an interactive resource for understanding the
similarities and differences between light waves and sound waves. This website offers
explanations and comparisons of the fundamental concepts, properties, and behaviors of these two
types of waves.
Highlight symbols and text to explore
Light
Sound
Frequency
The number of oscillations of a light wave per second, measured in hertz. Higher frequencies correspond to shorter wavelengths as they are inversely proportional.
The number of vibrations of a sound wave per second, measured in hertz, determining pitch. Higher frequencies produce high-pitched sounds, while lower frequencies produce low-pitched ones.
Velocity
The speed of light waves through a medium. In a vacuum, it is about 300,000 kilometers per second, slowing in denser materials like water or glass.
The speed of sound waves through a medium, influenced by density and elasticity. In air, it’s about 343 meters per second, faster in solids and liquids.
Wavelength
The distance between two consecutive peaks of a light wave, determining its color. Shorter wavelengths are blue, and longer wavelengths are red, ranging from 400 to 700 nanometers.
The distance between compressions or rarefactions in a sound wave, determined by velocity and frequency, with typical wavelengths in air spanning centimeters to several meters.
Velocity = Frequency x Wavelength
Wavelength determines color
Frequency determines pitch
Electromagnetic Light Wave
Mechanical Sound Wave
Light waves are electromagnetic waves that do not require a medium to propagate. They consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields, perpendicular to each other and the direction of propagation, creating light by transmitting energy across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium, such as air or water, to propagate. They involve the motion of matter through compressions and rarefactions, generating sound by transmitting energy.
Electromagnetic Light Wave
Mechanical Sound Wave
A website by Xander Munc
Anatomy
Equation
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Frequency
In light frequency is the number of oscillations of a light wave per second, measured in hertz. Higher frequencies correspond to shorter wavelengths as they are inversely proportional.
In sound frequency is the number of vibrations of a sound wave per second, measured in hertz, determining pitch. Higher frequencies produce high-pitched sounds, while lower frequencies produce low-pitched ones.
Velocity
In light velocity is the speed of light waves through a medium. In a vacuum, it is about 300,000 kilometers per second, slowing in denser materials like water or glass.
In sound velocity is the speed of sound waves through a medium, influenced by density and elasticity. In air, it’s about 343 meters per second, faster in solids and liquids.
Wavelength
In light wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks of a light wave, determining its color. Shorter wavelengths are blue, and longer wavelengths are red, ranging from 400 to 700 nanometers.
In sound wavelength is the distance between compressions or rarefactions in a sound wave, determined by velocity and frequency, with typical wavelengths in air spanning centimeters to several meters.
Velocity = Frequency x Wavelength