Editing Mechanical wave (section)

{{short description|Wave which is an oscillation of matter}}
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[[File:Espejo (3207185886).jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ripple in water is a surface wave.]]

In [[physics]], a '''mechanical wave''' is a [[wave]] that is an oscillation of [[matter]], and therefore transfers energy through a [[transmission medium|material medium]].<ref>Giancoli, D. C. (2009) Physics for scientists & engineers with modern physics (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Prentice Hall.</ref> 
(Vacuum is, from classical perspective, a non-material medium, where [[electromagnetic radiation|electromagnetic waves]] propagate.) 

While waves can move over long distances, the movement of the medium of transmission—the material—is limited. Therefore, the oscillating material does not move far from its initial equilibrium position. Mechanical waves can be produced only in media which possess [[Elasticity (physics)|elasticity]] and [[inertia]]. There are three types of mechanical waves: [[transverse wave]]s, [[longitudinal wave]]s, and [[surface wave]]s. Some of the most common examples of mechanical waves are water waves, sound waves, and [[seismic waves]].

Like all waves, mechanical waves transport [[energy]]. This energy [[Wave propagation|propagates]] in the same direction as the wave. A wave requires an initial energy input; once this initial energy is added, the wave travels through the medium until all its energy is transferred. In contrast, [[electromagnetic radiation|electromagnetic waves]] require no medium, but can still travel through one.