Question
Define waves. Classify waves on the basis of material medium. Give one example of each.
Solution
The disturbance arising due to repeated vibrations of the particles of the medium, moving from one particle to another is known as a wave.
Waves can be classified as follows, on the basis of the medium in which they travel.
1. Mechanical/elastic waves: The waves which require a material medium for their propagation are known as mechanical waves.
e.g., sound waves.
2. Electromagnetic waves: Waves which do not require any material medium for their propagation.
e.g., light waves.
