* Light is an electromagnetic wave. Light travels as a wave of oscillating electric and magnetic fields.

* Sound waves are mechanical waves. They need a medium (like air, water, or a solid) to travel. They are vibrations that travel through the medium.

So, which is faster?

* Light is much faster than sound. The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (186,282 miles per second). Sound travels much slower, with the speed varying depending on the medium. In air, sound travels at roughly 343 meters per second (767 miles per hour).

Key takeaway: Light and sound are different types of waves that travel at vastly different speeds. Light is much faster because it doesn't need a medium to travel.