In Physics / High School | 2014-07-10

Why does a mechanical wave need a medium to propagate?

Asked by aishana

Answer (2)

"Mechanical" means that someTHING is moving, so someTHING needs to be there waving, or else there can't be a mechanical wave.

Answered by AL2006 | 2024-06-10

Mechanical waves require a medium, such as a solid, liquid, or gas, because they propagate through particle interactions. These waves carry energy without permanently displacing the medium's particles, relying on restoring forces for transmission. Unlike mechanical waves, electromagnetic waves do not need a medium for propagation.
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Answered by AL2006 | 2024-12-26

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