Waves.

... Science Coursework Waves An introduction to waves Mechanical Waves are waves, which propagate through a material medium (solid, liquid, or gas) at a wave speed, which depends on the elastic and inertial properties of that medium. There are two basic types of wave motion for mechanical waves: longitudinal waves and transverse waves. In a longitudinal wave the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. The particles simply oscillate back and forth about their individual equilibrium positions. In a transverse wave the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. The particles do not move along with the wave; they simply oscillate up and down about their individual equilibrium positions as the wave passes by. Stacey Owen Candidate no: 0126 Hampton Community College Water waves are an example of waves that involve a combination of both longitudinal and transverse motions. As a wave travels through the waver, the particles travel in clockwise circles. The radius

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