Question

whats a mechanical wave?

Answer 1

from wiki, but its a good start:


"A mechanical wave is a wave that propagates as an oscillation of matter, and therefore transfers energy through a medium. "

oscillation of matter? sound is conveyed via longitudunal vibrations/oscillations of air.

water waves: the waves look transverse, ie up and down compared to direction of travel. clearly matter, water, is required.


compare and contrast with :

"Non-mechanical waves are waves that do not require a medium for the transfer of their energy to occur. Electromagnetic waves are the only type of non-mechanical waves. They can travel through the vacuum of space."