The main differences between sound waves and light waves are as follows:
| SN | Light waves | Sound waves |
| 1. | Light waves are electromagnetic waves because they can travel in a medium as well as in a vacuum. | Sound waves are mechanical waves because they can only travel in a medium. |
| 2. | The speed of the light wave is greater. i.e 3 x 10^8 m/s in vacuum or air. | The speed of a sound wave is smaller i.e. 330 m/s at 0° C in air. |
| 3. | Light waves are transverse waves. | Sound waves are longitudinal waves. |
| 4. | The wavelength of light waves is shorter. | The wavelength of sound waves is longer. |
| 5. | Light waves can be polarized. | Sound waves cannot be polarized. |
