The speed of light is significantly faster than the speed of sound and other electromagnetic waves in a vacuum. In a vacuum, such as outer space, light travels at a speed of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (or about 186,282 miles per second). This speed is commonly denoted as "c" in physics.
On the other hand, the speed of sound varies depending on the medium through which it travels. In dry air at sea level and at a temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), sound travels at approximately 343 meters per second (or about 767 miles per hour). However, the speed of sound is affected by factors like temperature, humidity, and the density of the medium. For example, sound travels faster in denser mediums, such as water or solids, compared to gases like air.
When it comes to electromagnetic waves, they all travel at the speed of light in a vacuum. This includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. They all travel at the same speed of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second. However, within different mediums, electromagnetic waves can be affected by factors such as the refractive index, which can cause them to slow down or change direction.
In summary, the speed of light is the fastest and remains constant in a vacuum, while the speed of sound and other electromagnetic waves is significantly slower in comparison and can be influenced by the properties of the medium through which they propagate.