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All mechanical waves must have a medium through which to propagate. The medium may be an matter in any phase - solid, liquid, gas, etc. The waves propagate in either transversely or longitudinally modes. Transverse propagation is perpendicular to the direction of motion; some examples of transverse waves are things like a flag rippling in the wind or the waves of a ribbon or curtain moving up and down along the surface. Longitudinal waves move parallel to the direction of propagation as compressions and rarefactions (stretching). Some examples of these waves are sound waves, and compression waves in springs. Some waves, like water waves, may show both transverse and longitudinal character.

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Mechanical waves require a medium to travel through. This medium can be a solid, liquid, or gas. The wave transfers energy by causing particles in the medium to oscillate back and forth.

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Q: What do Mechanical waves have in order to travel?
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Which type of wave must have a medium in order to travel?

Mechanical waves require a medium in order to travel. These waves propagate by transferring energy through a medium by causing particles in the medium to vibrate. Some examples of mechanical waves include sound waves and seismic waves.


Which type of waves require matter in order to travel?

Mechanical waves require matter in order to travel. These waves propagate through a medium such as water, air, or a solid material by transferring energy through the vibration of particles in the medium. Examples of mechanical waves include sound waves and seismic waves.


What is one major difference between electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves?

One major difference is the medium of propagation. Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium (can travel through vacuum) while mechanical waves require a medium (such as air, water, or solid material) in order to propagate.


Can mechanical waves traves through empty space?

No, mechanical waves require a medium (such as air, water, or solids) to travel through. In empty space, there is no medium for mechanical waves to propagate, so they cannot travel through vacuum. Examples of mechanical waves include sound waves and seismic waves.


Are all waves mechanical waves?

maybe? ----- No, you are forgetting about electromagnetic radiation such as a light, radio, x-rays, and so on that also have wave properties. Mechanical waves are able to travel through matter but electromagnetic waves can travel in a vacuum.

Related questions

Due mechanical waves need a medium to travel through?

Yes, mechanical waves require a medium to travel through. This is because mechanical waves transfer energy by causing particles in the medium to vibrate back and forth in the direction of the wave. Examples of mechanical waves include sound waves and seismic waves.


Which type of wave must have a medium in order to travel?

Mechanical waves require a medium in order to travel. These waves propagate by transferring energy through a medium by causing particles in the medium to vibrate. Some examples of mechanical waves include sound waves and seismic waves.


Which type of waves require matter in order to travel?

Mechanical waves require matter in order to travel. These waves propagate through a medium such as water, air, or a solid material by transferring energy through the vibration of particles in the medium. Examples of mechanical waves include sound waves and seismic waves.


Why are sound waves not considered a mechanical wave?

Mechanical waves are waves that require a medium in which to travel, i.e., a solid or fluid. As sound needs a medium to travel, sound is a mechanical wave.


What is one major difference between electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves?

One major difference is the medium of propagation. Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium (can travel through vacuum) while mechanical waves require a medium (such as air, water, or solid material) in order to propagate.


How mechanical and electromagnetic wave are different?

The biggest difference is that mechanical waves require a medium to travel through and electromagnetic waves do not.


Mechanical waves require what?

Mechanical waves require media through which they can travel.


Most waves that travel through a substance are what kind of waves?

Most waves that travel through a substance are mechanical waves. These waves require a medium (such as water, air, or solids) to propagate. Sound waves, seismic waves, and ocean waves are examples of mechanical waves.


Electromagnetic waves are not mechanical waves which means they can travel in a?

vacuum


Can both electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves move throgh space?

Yes, but mechanical waves need matter to travel through. EM waves can travel through vacuums as well.


Can mechanical waves traves through empty space?

No, mechanical waves require a medium (such as air, water, or solids) to travel through. In empty space, there is no medium for mechanical waves to propagate, so they cannot travel through vacuum. Examples of mechanical waves include sound waves and seismic waves.


Are all waves mechanical waves?

maybe? ----- No, you are forgetting about electromagnetic radiation such as a light, radio, x-rays, and so on that also have wave properties. Mechanical waves are able to travel through matter but electromagnetic waves can travel in a vacuum.