light wave and sound wave

[premedgurl]

I know that light wave travels slower in glass than air according to n=c/v

and sound waves travels faster in solid than air, according to v= (elastic component/inertia component)^(1/2)

but why two types of waves are governed by two different principles?? What about other types of waves? do they travel faster or slower in solid than air?

Thank you!!

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[RogueUnicorn]

light is slower in denser matter because it entangles with the atoms briefly. more directly to the point, light and sound are different types of waves to start with and thus exihibit certain differences in properties. other waves (surface waves, for example) are not covered on the MCAT

 

[loveoforganic]

Transverse/longitudinal?

 

[RogueUnicorn]

yes

 

[thebillsfan]

yes

would it be accurate to say that all non-electromagnetic waves travel faster in a solid medium, or is that too all-encompassing?

 

[Hemichordate]

So all electromagnetic and mechanical waves transmit energy and not matter right? What are examples of waves that transmit matter as well?

 

[premedgurl]

would it be accurate to say that all non-electromagnetic waves travel faster in a solid medium, or is that too all-encompassing?

yea, i want to know that too! anyone?

Thanks for all the help!!

 

[RogueUnicorn]

would it be accurate to say that all non-electromagnetic waves travel faster in a solid medium, or is that too all-encompassing?

sound does. really don't try to overthink things.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

So all electromagnetic and mechanical waves transmit energy and not matter right? What are examples of waves that transmit matter as well?

electromagnetic waves trasmit photons.

 

[thebillsfan]

when the mcat uses the word "photon" will they be talking about light in the context of the particle theory? i mean, they wouldnt be using photon to describe light with wave properties?