Speeds of waves in different media.

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In optically dense materials, sound waves travel faster than light waves, which actually slow down. This behavior is consistent across mechanical and electromagnetic waves, with sound being affected by the density of the medium. The discussion references a formula related to the index of refraction, which helps calculate the angles of light as it passes through different media. Understanding these properties is essential for applications in physics and engineering. Overall, the relationship between wave speed and medium density varies significantly between sound and light.
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Hey Guys,

I was wondering which types of waves travel faster in optically dense materials and which waves travel slower in optically dense materials. Does light travel faster or slower and same with sound? Do all mechanical and electromagnetic waves follow these properties or does one follow one of the properties and the other one follows the other property?
Please answer these questions as soon as possible!
Thanks!
 
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If I am correct there is a formula for this

N1/ N2 = angle 1/ angle 2; N being the index for ability of light to travel through water. So you basically measure the angle and then calculate; its not that hard. If I could only find some old physics problems
 
hss15 said:
Hey Guys,

I was wondering which types of waves travel faster in optically dense materials and which waves travel slower in optically dense materials. Does light travel faster or slower and same with sound? Do all mechanical and electromagnetic waves follow these properties or does one follow one of the properties and the other one follows the other property?
Please answer these questions as soon as possible!
Thanks!

Well sound travels faster in denser materials, whereas light travels slower.
 

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