* Speed of Light: Light travels at approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (186,282 miles per second) in a vacuum. In air, it slows down slightly but is still incredibly fast.
* Speed of Sound: Sound travels at approximately 343 meters per second (767 miles per hour) in air at room temperature.
Here's how we know this:
* Everyday Experience: We see lightning before we hear thunder. This is because light travels so much faster than sound that it reaches us first.
* Scientific Experiments: Scientists have measured the speed of light and sound using various methods like:
* Measuring the time it takes for light to travel a known distance.
* Measuring the time it takes for sound to travel a known distance.
* Mathematical Calculations: The speed of light and sound can also be calculated using physical laws and formulas.
In summary: Light travels at an incredibly fast speed compared to sound, which is why we see things before we hear them.
