In a vacuum, which of the following travels the fastest?
Practice Questions
Q1
In a vacuum, which of the following travels the fastest?
Sound
Light
Water waves
Radio waves
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
In a vacuum, which of the following travels the fastest?
Step 1: Understand what a vacuum is. A vacuum is a space that has no matter, meaning there are no air or other substances present.
Step 2: Identify the types of waves mentioned: light, sound, and water waves.
Step 3: Know that light is an electromagnetic wave that can travel through a vacuum.
Step 4: Recognize that sound waves are mechanical waves that need a medium (like air, water, or solid materials) to travel.
Step 5: Understand that water waves are also mechanical waves and require water as a medium to travel.
Step 6: Conclude that since light can travel through a vacuum and does so at a speed of approximately 3 x 10^8 meters per second, it is the fastest among the three.
