Comparing Light Waves and Sound Waves

Light Waves

Sound Waves

Light Waves vs Sound Waves

The table below shows us the differences between light and sound waves.

Light wavesSound waves
Type of waveTransverseLongitudinal
Can they travel through a vacuum?YesNo
How are they detected?Eyes and camerasEars and microphones
Can they be refracted?YesYes
Can they be reflected?YesYes

The speed of sound is roughly 343 m/s. Whereas, the approximate speed of light is 300,000,000 m/s through a vacuum.