i think sound waves will mediate matter movement. This is what I think
Since sound wave is a pressure wave. Increase the pressure, you increase the density of the medium, so shouldn't it cause matter around it to move?
For electromagnetic waves, as someone else had explained that they only propogate energy. I had asked how EM waves propogate through vacuum since there is no matter. The reply was that they only propagate energy.
I'm confused
Somebody's gonna have to double check on that claim that soundwaves will mediate matter movement because that sure is FISHY.
But ya. EM waves propagate energy only. Not sure why exactly, but I do know that radiation is the form of energy transfer that does not require a medium (the only thing that can transfer energy in a VACUUM). That is sort of proof for why it isn't... but if you want to look into it furhter, be my guest.
EDIT:::
I just looked into it and turns out ALL kinds of mechanical waves (sound, light, water waves, watever)
they ALL only propagate ENERGY, not matter.
Quote from Kaplan:
- mechanical waves (e.g., water, sound, etc.)
- Mechanical waves cause a local oscillation of material. In the case of a transverse wave on water, the material that makes up the wave (the water particles) oscillates up and down. No material is transported as a result of mechanical waves
- waves cause a propagation of energy. This energy propagates in the same direction as the wave. Any kind of wave (mechanical or electromagnetic) has a certain energy.
- mechanical wave, such as sound, where the wave is made up of the vibrations of atoms in air. While energy is propagated by a sound wave, the air particles themselves are not. On the other hand, in an electromagnetic wave, such as light, photons are transported across a medium along with the energy of the wave.
NOTE: PHOTONS are not MATTER. They are entities of energy.
Hope that helped.