What is meant by transfer of matter and energy in waves?

[LXX]

All waves involve the transfer of energy without a net transfer of matter. What does 'net transfer of matter mean?'

 

[NascentOxygen]

Hi LXX! http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif

When movement goes as far in one direction as the other, it averages out to being zero distance moved, i.e., no net movement.

If matter is moved as far in one direction as the other, there is zero average distance moved.

So it's saying that while matter may be seen to move backwards & forwards (or up & down), that movement averages out to no movement. Overall, there is no net movement.

 

[LXX]

Hi LXX! http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif

When movement goes as far in one direction as the other, it averages out to being zero distance moved, i.e., no net movement.

If matter is moved as far in one direction as the other, there is zero average distance moved.

So it's saying that while matter may be seen to move backwards & forwards (or up & down), that movement averages out to no movement. Overall, there is no net movement.

Thank you sooooo much!