Science glossary film: Mechanical wave

A mechanical wave is one that is carried by vibrations in a physical medium, and which therefore requires a medium in which to propagate. Sound waves, compression waves in a Slinky, surface waves on water, and the vibrations of a guitar string are all mechanical waves. Mechanical waves cannot travel through a vacuum.

Sound waves, compression waves in a Slinky, surface waves on water, and the vibrations of a guitar string are all mechanical waves. Mechanical waves cannot travel through a vacuum.