Question

What is a mechanical wave? Explain with an example.

Answer 1

Definition

1. A wave that is an oscillation of matter and is responsible for the transfer of energy through a medium is called a mechanical wave.
2. The distance of the wave’s propagation is limited by the medium of transmission. In this case, the oscillating material moves about a fixed point, and there is very little translational motion.
3. The way mechanical waves are determined, which is displacement divided by wavelength, is an interesting feature. When this dimensionless factor is $1$, harmonic effects are generated; for example, when this factor exceeds $1$, turbulence occurs.

Examples of mechanical wave

1. A sound wave is a pattern of disturbance induced by sound energy traveling away from its source, these are longitudinal waves. This implies that the propagation of vibration of particles is parallel to the direction of the energy wave propagation.
2. The medium in which it propagates can either be a solid, a liquid, or a gas. Sound travels fastest in solids, relatively slower in liquids, and slowest in gases.

Therefore, the mechanical wave is a wave that is not capable of transmitting its energy through a vacuum.