Submitted by IcyPause7334 t3_11cxss5 in explainlikeimfive
jowie7979 t1_ja5mkfi wrote
Reply to comment by Odd_Perception_283 in ELI5: the light can be blocked entirely, but why the sound can’t by IcyPause7334
Correct. Don’t know what i’m being downvoted for lol.
Sound waves have a lower frequency than light waves, and this means that they can travel through solid objects and around corners. This is why you can hear sounds that are coming from behind walls or other objects. On the other hand, light waves have a much higher frequency and are not able to penetrate solid objects as easily, which is why light can be blocked by walls, curtains, and other objects. So the lower frequency of sound waves allows them to persist even after they've been reflected by solid objects.
Odd_Perception_283 t1_ja5nxcq wrote
This makes perfect sense and I had it totally backwards. I think my completely backwards answer is rubbing off on you.
At the very least I now know the truth. Thanks!
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