Light and Sound Waves: Theoretical Analogies and Differences

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The discussion focuses on the theoretical analogies and differences between light and sound waves. Both types of waves share similarities in their wave equations and exhibit properties like reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference. However, sound waves are mechanical vibrations in mediums, while electromagnetic waves consist of vibrating fields. Additionally, sound waves are longitudinal and cannot be polarized, whereas light waves are transverse. A recommended resource for further reading is the book "Waves and Vibrations" by A.P. French.
alvarogz
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Anybody has reference paper on light and sound wave's theoretical analogies?
I want to read about the analogies and difference between this interactions in terms of waves.

Thank you in advance.

AGZ
 
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The analogy is the wave equation, which is already a great deal of similarity. Otherwise the two kind of waves are pretty different. A sound wave describes vibrations of mechanical entities (fluid elements in a gas or liquid, crystal lattices in a solid, etc.) while em. waves are vibrating electromagnetic fields.
 
Both types of wave display properties which are similar...reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference.
 
Could anybody suggest a paper, article or textbook about it?.

Thanks,
 
Also note that sound waves are longitudinal, and hence cannot be polarized ... while light is a transverse wave.

This book covers it all: "Waves and Vibrations" by A.P. French.
 
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