Long-distance communication with sound waves is generally not practical or efficient compared to electromagnetic waves (such as radio waves) for several reasons:
Medium Limitations: Sound waves require a physical medium to propagate, such as air, water, or solid materials. In space or over long distances, there is no medium for sound waves to travel through, making it impossible to use sound for long-distance communication in those scenarios.
Speed and Attenuation: Sound waves propagate relatively slowly compared to electromagnetic waves. The speed of sound in air is approximately 343 meters per second (depending on temperature and other factors), while electromagnetic waves, including radio waves, travel at the speed of light (approximately 299,792 kilometers per second). This speed difference makes electromagnetic waves much more efficient for long-distance communication.
Attenuation and Interference: Sound waves are susceptible to attenuation (weakening) and interference when they travel over long distances. Even in a medium like air, sound waves can lose energy and become distorted as they propagate. This effect is more pronounced over longer distances, making it challenging to maintain clear and reliable communication using sound waves alone.
Bandwidth Limitations: Sound waves have a limited bandwidth for transmitting information compared to electromagnetic waves. Sound waves typically have a narrower frequency range, which means they can carry less data per unit of time compared to electromagnetic waves. This limitation makes sound waves less suitable for high-speed or complex data transmission required for modern communication systems.
Due to these factors, electromagnetic waves, especially radio waves, are the preferred choice for long-distance communication. They can travel through a vacuum, have higher speeds, lower attenuation, wider bandwidth, and can be easily modulated and demodulated to carry information efficiently over long distances.