Mechanical Waves: Essential Properties of Medium for Propagation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the essential properties of the medium required for the propagation of mechanical waves, specifically focusing on sound waves. Participants explore definitions, characteristics, and examples related to mechanical waves and their mediums.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that sound waves are a specific type of mechanical wave, while others suggest that mechanical waves are a broader category that includes sound waves.
  • One participant emphasizes that mechanical actions, such as striking a hammer or vocal cord vibrations, are necessary for the generation of sound waves.
  • A participant proposes that Hooke's Law is fundamental to understanding wave propagation in any medium, indicating that linear distention and counter-force are key properties.
  • Another participant describes mechanical waves as energy propagations through the compression and stretching of molecules, noting that the wave itself is a reaction of the structure rather than the movement of the entire medium.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between sound waves and mechanical waves, with no consensus reached on definitions or the essential properties of the medium.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of mechanical and sound waves remain unaddressed, and the discussion does not resolve the nuances of how different mediums affect wave propagation.

hamnum
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What are the essential properties of the medium for the propagation of mechanical waves?
 
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hi there
welcome to PF :)

a mechanical wave is a sound wave

so before I tell you
tell me what you know about sound waves and what they can propagate through ?

Dave
 
Sound waves can propgate through solids, liquids and gases. I think one should say that sound waves are mechanical waves and not vice versa because mechanical waves are general and sound waves are specific.
 
They are one in the same a mechanical action for example ... striking a hammer on metal produces a sound wave
... the mechanical action of the vibration of your vocal cords causes a sound waveI don't think I could name a sound wave that isn't caused by a mechanical actionDave
 
I believe the short answer to the OP question is: Hooke's Law.
No matter what the medium is, if you have a situation where distention increases the counter-force in a linear fashion, you will have a medium that allows wave propagation.
 
Mechanical waves are energy propagations across a structure through compression and stretching of the connected molecules making up the structure. The actual wave traveling is just the part of the structure that's currently reacting to the forces in order of next touching molecule and not the structure itself being moved
 

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