What are Mechanical Waves?
Mechanical waves require a medium for its propagation, which include solids, liquids and gases. The particles of the medium vibrate as the wave passes through, transmitting energy from one particle to the next. There are two main types: Longitudinal and transverse waves. In longitudinal waves, the particles of medium propagate in the direction of waves whereas in transverse wave, the particles of medium move perpendicular to the direction of waves. Mechanical waves are not capable to travel in vacuum. So the speed of these waves in vacuum is zero.
Examples of mechanical waves are water waves, sound waves etc.
Are Sound Waves Electromagnetic or Mechanical?
Sound waves are Mechanical waves as they are formed by mechanical disturbance of the particles in air, and other mediums. Sound can not travel through vaccum.
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