Is Sound Propagation in Space Realistic?

Question: A spaceship in a science fiction movie explodes. People in a nearby spaceship hear a loud sound. Is this realistic? Explain. Final answer: The scenario of people in a nearby spaceship hearing a loud sound from an exploding spaceship in a science fiction movie is not realistic because sound cannot travel in the vacuum of space.

The scenario depicted in science fiction movies where people in a nearby spaceship hear a loud sound from an exploding spaceship is a common trope. However, is this portrayal accurate?

This scenario is not realistic because of the physics of sound propagation in space. Sound waves require a medium to travel through, such as air, water, or solid objects. In the vacuum of space, where there are no particles to vibrate and transmit the sound, there is no medium for sound to propagate.

Therefore, in reality, people in a nearby spaceship would not hear any sound from the explosion of another spaceship in space. The lack of medium for sound waves to travel through makes it impossible for sound to be heard in the vacuum of space.

To summarize, the portrayal of sound propagation in space in science fiction movies where people can hear explosions is not scientifically accurate. Sound cannot travel in the vacuum of space, and therefore, the scenario of hearing a loud sound in space is unrealistic.

← What is the mass of saturn based on the orbital data of its moon tethys What is the maximum shear stress in a solid circular shaft →