What must be present for the propagation of a mechanical wave?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the requirements for the propagation of mechanical waves, exploring concepts such as movement and the necessity of a medium. Participants share their thoughts on what must be present for these waves to propagate, including examples and comparisons to non-mechanical waves.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that movement is necessary for the propagation of mechanical waves.
  • Others mention examples of mechanical waves, including sound, earthquakes, and water waves, associating them with vibration.
  • A participant introduces the concept of a medium, indicating that mechanical waves require a medium for transmission.
  • There is a challenge regarding the clarity of examples provided, with a request for further elaboration on mechanical waves.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessary conditions for mechanical wave propagation, with some focusing on movement and others emphasizing the role of a medium. The discussion remains unresolved as participants explore these concepts.

Contextual Notes

Some statements lack clarity regarding the definitions of mechanical and non-mechanical waves, and there are unresolved assumptions about the nature of movement and vibration in this context.

princess08
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What must be present for the propagation of a mechanical wave?
 
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princess08 said:
What must be present for the propagation of a mechanical wave?
Welcome to PF,

What do you think must be present?
 
What must be present for the propagation of a mechanical wave?
 
I have no idea... Movement?
 
princess08 said:
I have no idea... Movement?
Hmm, not really what I had in mind. Can you give some examples of a mechanical wave?

P.S. You could have your answer in under five seconds from Google.
 
Movement?
Hootenanny said:
Welcome to PF,

What do you think must be present?
 
sound, earthquake, water waves... it is vibration?
Hootenanny said:
Hmm, not really what I had in mind. Can you give some examples of a mechanical wave?

P.S. You could have your answer in under five seconds from Google.
 
princess08 said:
sound, earthquake, water waves... it is vibration?
Correct! Can you now give me examples of non-mechanical waves?
 
I also read about a medium.
princess08 said:
sound, earthquake, water waves... is it vibration?
 
  • #10
princess08 said:
I also read about a medium.
That's the answer :smile: Mechanical waves require a medium through which to be transmitted, whereas non-mechanical waves require no medium.
 

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