Mention the important properties which a medium must possess for the propagation of mechanical waves through it?
Essential properties of a medium for the propagation of mechanical waves:
(i) Elasticity: For the particles to return to their mean positions after being disturbed, the medium must possess elasticity.
(ii) Inertia: The medium must possess inertia or mass so that particles can store kinetic energy.
(iii) Minimum friction: The medium should have minimum frictional force between its particles so that they can continue oscillating for a sufficiently long time.