Question

If a satellite or spaceship explodes in outer space, you can see the explosion from a distance but you cannot hear it. Why?
A) Light waves travel very fast and sound waves travel much slower.
B) Sound waves transmit energy while light does not transmit energy.
C) Sound is a mechanical wave and needs a medium to travel through while light is an electromagnetic wave.
D) Light is a mechanical wave and needs a medium to travel through while sound is an electromagnetic wave.

Answer 1

C) Sound is a mechanical wave and needs a medium to travel through while light is an electromagnetic wave. 

There is no air for the sound waves to travel, therefore, no sound waves being transmitted. 

Answer 2

Answer:The correct answer is option C.

Explanation:

Mechanical wave is a wave that produce from the oscillation of matter and transfer energy  through the medium.They are incapable of moving through vacuum.

Electromagnetic wave is a wave composed of two vectors vibrating perpendicular to each other in the same direction in which wave is moving.The two vectors are electric field and magnetic field.They are capable of travelling through vacuum.

Light wave is an electromagnetic wave.Electromagnetic waves can easily travel through space. Where as sound is a mechanical wave which requires medium to travel.

Hence, correct answer is option C.