Light is faster than sound because they propagate through different mediums and obey different physical principles.
Medium of Propagation: Light travels through a vacuum, such as outer space, as well as through transparent substances like air, water, and glass. It does not require a medium to propagate. In contrast, sound requires a medium, such as air, water, or solids, to travel. Sound waves are mechanical vibrations that travel through particles of the medium, transferring energy from one particle to another.
Speed of Propagation: Light travels at an incredibly fast speed of approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (or about 186,282 miles per second) in a vacuum. This speed is constant and is denoted as the speed of light (c). Sound, on the other hand, travels at a much slower speed, varying based on the properties of the medium. For example, in dry air at room temperature, sound travels at approximately 343 meters per second (or about 767 miles per hour).
Nature of Waves: Light is an electromagnetic wave, consisting of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that propagate perpendicular to each other and to the direction of travel. It is governed by Maxwell's equations and behaves as both a particle (photon) and a wave (electromagnetic radiation). Sound, on the other hand, is a mechanical wave that propagates as compressions and rarefactions of particles in a medium, typically in the form of longitudinal waves.
Density and Interaction: The density and interaction of particles in the medium affect the speed of sound. In denser materials, such as solids, sound can travel faster due to the closer proximity of particles, allowing for faster energy transfer. In contrast, the density of particles does not significantly affect the speed of light, as it propagates independently of the medium.
In summary, light is faster than sound because it propagates through a vacuum or transparent media and is governed by electromagnetic principles, while sound requires a medium and propagates as mechanical waves.