Which of the following statements is correct about light and sound waves? Both

Analyze the question: We need the one statement that is true for both light waves and sound waves.

Concept: Light is an electromagnetic wave (transverse, needs no medium, travels at about 3 × 10⁸ m/s in air). Sound is a mechanical wave (longitudinal, needs a medium, travels at about 340 m/s in air).

Check each option:

• A. Both are longitudinal: False. Light is transverse.
• B. Both are transverse: False. Sound in air is longitudinal.
• C. Same velocity in air: False. Light is about 3 × 10⁸ m/s, while sound is about 340 m/s, so light is nearly a million times faster.
• D. Both need a medium: False. Light travels through a vacuum (e.g., sunlight reaching Earth through space). Only sound needs a medium.
• E. Both transmit energy: True. All waves transfer energy from one point to another without transferring matter. Sound carries energy (it can make your eardrum vibrate), and light carries energy (it powers solar panels and heats surfaces).

Answer: E.

Tip: When a question asks what is common to all waves, think "energy transfer." Properties like type of wave, speed, and medium differ between light and sound, but transmitting energy is common to every wave.