The correct statement is:
Sound waves are mechanical waves that can only travel through a medium, while light waves are electromagnetic waves that can travel through a medium or through a vacuum.
Here's a brief explanation:
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Sound Waves: These are mechanical waves that require a medium (such as air, water, or solid substances) to travel. They propagate through the vibration of particles in the medium, meaning they cannot travel through a vacuum.
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Light Waves: These are electromagnetic waves that do not require a medium to propagate. They can travel through a vacuum (as in the case of sunlight traveling through space) as well as through various media, such as air or glass.
In summary, the key difference lies in their nature (mechanical vs. electromagnetic) and their ability to travel through a vacuum.