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How are soundwaves different from electromagnetic radiation?

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Unlike electromagnetic radiation , which can travel in the vacuum of free space, sound Waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) in which to travel. Another important difference is that sound travels much slower than electromagnetic radiation; the speed of sound in air at sea level is approximately 1000 ft/sec (300 m/sec), which is roughly a millionth the speed of light in air.

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Get more facts and information about acoustics . Or, view the full encyclopedia entry from The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition.

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