What is the meaning of movement of wave profile in progressive waves?

[Gunman]

Homework Statement

I am blur about progressive waves. My notes state that a progressive wave is one which is characterised by the movement of the wave profile with transfer of energy and momentum, is classified as progressive wave. What does it mean by saying movement of wave profile? And ropes are often used to explain waves. But how do waves travel in nature when there's like no link between the particles like in the rope? For example light.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[DieCommie]

What does it mean by saying movement of wave profile? Thats just the wave moving. Like a water wave or the rope you mention. The wave is propagating. (As opposed to standing waves which do not propagate)

But how do waves travel in nature when there's like no link between the particles like in the rope? For example light.
That is a good question. It was a real big deal to figure it out once. The basic jist is light does not need anything to propagate, it is fluctuations in the electric and magnetic fields.

 

[Gunman]

ohh. . thanks for the help. =)