In what way do sound waves differ from light waves?

Sound waves and light waves differ fundamentally in their nature as oscillatory phenomena. Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium (such as air, water, or solids) to propagate; they are classified as longitudinal waves. In longitudinal waves, the oscillations of particles in the medium occur in the same direction as the wave travels, resulting in areas of compression and rarefaction.

Conversely, light waves are electromagnetic waves that do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum. They are classified as transverse waves, where the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. This fundamental distinction in wave type is what distinguishes sound waves from light waves.

Understanding this difference is crucial for grasping wave behavior, as it informs various physical principles and applications, from acoustics to optics.