Mechanical wave

Definition

A mechanical wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium, transferring energy from one point to another without permanently displacing the medium. Mechanical waves require a material medium like air, water, or solids to propagate.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mechanical waves can be classified into two main types: transverse and longitudinal.
2. The speed of a mechanical wave depends on the properties of the medium through which it travels.
3. Mechanical waves are governed by principles such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference.
4. Energy in a mechanical wave moves forward while the particles of the medium oscillate around their equilibrium positions.
5. Sound waves are a common example of longitudinal mechanical waves.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes a mechanical wave from other types of waves?
• How does the speed of a mechanical wave change with different media?
• Describe the difference between transverse and longitudinal mechanical waves.

Related terms

Transverse Wave: A type of mechanical wave where particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Longitudinal Wave: A type of mechanical wave where particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Medium: The material substance (solid, liquid, or gas) through which a mechanical wave travels.