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Mechanical waves badly need a material medium to get propagated. For example sound waves need air, water or solid medium to pass through. But light though it is a wave, it could pass through even through vacuum. Hence it is not a mechanical wave. But it is proved to be an electromagnetic wave. Present science has accepted even free space ie vacuum to be a medium but it is non-material medium.

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12y ago
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6mo ago

Mechanical waves need a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate as they transfer energy through vibrations in the particles of the medium. Without a medium, mechanical waves cannot propagate.

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Q: What do mechanical waves need to propagate?
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Related questions

What wave that need a medium in order to propagate?

Mechanical waves, such as sound waves and water waves, require a medium in order to propagate. These waves travel by transferring energy from one part of the medium to another. Electromagnetic waves, on the other hand, can propagate through a vacuum as they do not require a medium.


Are the sun rays mechanical waves?

No, sun rays are not mechanical waves. Sun rays are a form of electromagnetic waves that propagate through space as a result of electromagnetic interactions. Mechanical waves, on the other hand, require a medium (such as air or water) to propagate.


In what ways are sound waves and electromagnetic waves similar?

they both have wavelenghth and have energy


What do Mechanical waves propagate through?

Mechanical waves propagate through a medium, which can be a solid, liquid, or gas. The particles of the medium vibrate in a repeating pattern as the wave passes through, carrying energy from one point to another. Examples of mechanical waves include sound waves and seismic waves.


Do all mechamcal waves need a medium?

No, mechanical waves require a medium to propagate, like sound waves in air or water waves in the ocean. However, electromagnetic waves, like light or radio waves, can travel through a vacuum without the need for a medium.


What are Waves that need a medium are called?

Waves that require a medium to travel through are called mechanical waves. These waves rely on the movement of particles in a medium, such as air, water, or a solid, to propagate energy. Examples of mechanical waves include sound waves and seismic waves.


What kind of waves need a medium?

Mechanical waves, such as sound waves and seismic waves, require a medium to propagate because they rely on the vibration of particles in the medium to transfer energy. These waves cannot travel through a vacuum because there are no particles to transmit the mechanical energy.


What waves need a medium to travel in?

Mechanical waves, such as sound waves, require a medium to travel through. These waves propagate by causing particles in the medium to vibrate and transfer the energy of the wave. Electromagnetic waves, such as light waves, do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum.


Why do sound wave require a medium to travel?

Sound waves are mechanical waves that propagate through the vibration of particles in a medium. Without a medium, such as air, water, or a solid, there are no particles for the sound waves to interact with and transmit the vibrations, so the wave cannot travel. Sound waves need a medium to transfer energy and propagate.


What is the opposite of mechanical wave?

The opposite of a mechanical wave is an electromagnetic wave. While mechanical waves require a medium to travel through (such as sound waves in air or water waves in the ocean), electromagnetic waves can propagate through a vacuum without the need for a medium.


What medium do mechanical waves need?

Mechanical waves need a material medium, such as air, water, or solids, to travel through. These waves rely on the vibration and movement of particles in the medium to propagate energy from one location to another.


Why do mechanical waves require a medium?

Mechanical waves rely on the movement of particles within a medium to propagate. The energy of the wave is transferred from one particle to another through interactions, which is why a medium is necessary. In the absence of a medium, such as in a vacuum, mechanical waves cannot propagate.