Different types of waves have different sets of characteristics. Based on the orientation of particle motion and direction of energy, there are three categories:
Mechanical waves
Electromagnetic waves
Matter waves
Mechanical Wave
A mechanical wave is a wave that is an oscillation of matter and is responsible for the transfer of energy through a medium.
The distance of the wave’s propagation is limited by the medium of transmission. In this case, the oscillating material moves about a fixed point, and there is very little translational motion. One intriguing property of mechanical waves is the way they are measured, which is given by displacement divided by the wavelength. When this dimensionless factor is 1, it generates harmonic effects; for example, waves break on the beach when this factor exceeds 1, resulting in turbulence.
There are two types of mechanical waves:
Longitudinal waves – In this type of wave, the movement of the particles is parallel to the motion of the energy, i.e. the displacement of the medium is in the same direction in which the wave is moving. Example – Sound Waves, Pressure Waves.
Transverse waves – When the movement of the particles is at right angles or perpendicular to the motion of the energy, then this type of wave is known as a transverse wave. Light is an example of a transverse wave.
Water waves are an example of a combination of both longitudinal and transverse motions.
Surface waves – In this type, the particles travel in a circular motion. These waves usually occur at interfaces. Waves in the ocean and ripples in a cup of water are examples of such waves.
Learn more about S waves here.
Electromagnetic Wave
Electromagnetic waves are created by a fusion of electric and magnetic fields. The light you see, the colours around you are visible because of electromagnetic waves.
One interesting property here is that unlike mechanical waves, electromagnetic waves do not need a medium to travel. All electromagnetic waves travel through a vacuum at the same speed, 299,792,458 ms-1.
Following are the different types of electromagnetic waves:
Microwaves
X-ray
Radio waves
Ultraviolet waves
Learn more about Sound waves here.
Difference Between Mechanical Wave and Non-Mechanical Wave
Mechanical Waves vs Non-Mechanical Waves
Mechanical Wave
Non-Mechanical Wave
Mechanical waves are waves that need a medium for propagation.
Non-mechanical waves are waves that do not need any medium for propagation.
Sound waves, water waves and seismic waves are some examples of mechanical waves.
The electromagnetic wave is the only non-mechanical wave.
Mechanical waves cannot travel through vacuum
Non-mechanical waves can travel through vacuum
Matter Wave
This concept is a little complicated to understand. The dual nature of matter; its ability to exist both as a particle and a wave was first brought to light by the founders of the field of Quantum Physics.
For example, a beam of electrons can be diffracted just like any other beam of electromagnetic radiation or water wave. This property of matter was brought forward by Louis de Broglie’s Hypothesis.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q1
What is a wave?
A wave is a flow or transfer of energy in the form of oscillation through a medium – space or mass.
Q2
What are the types of waves?
The following are the types of waves:
Mechanical waves
Electromagnetic waves
Matter waves
Q3
Can mechanical waves travel through vacuum?
No, mechanical waves cannot travel through vacuum.
Q4
What are non-mechanical waves?
Waves that do not need any medium for propagation are known as non-mechanical waves. Q5
What are the types of mechanical waves?
Types of mechanical waves are:
Longitudinal waves
Transverse waves
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hana halawany October 12, 2019 at 3:48 pm
VERY helpful thank you
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Torres February 21, 2020 at 5:31 am
It’s helpful to know different types of waves.
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gabriel smith February 25, 2020 at 12:09 am
very helpful i need this so much.
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Gabriel Heeryte March 12, 2020 at 11:54 pm
This is useful, thanks for making i guess
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Bohzo Darkloge May 21, 2020 at 4:47 am
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Digil TJ June 14, 2020 at 8:53 pm
Thank you for your guidance.
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Rafia Mahmud July 13, 2020 at 5:07 pm
thanks he explains very good
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Kazi Sakin October 16, 2020 at 12:10 am
Very helpful!
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Saba naz January 8, 2021 at 2:08 pm
Amazing ,it is very helpful and easily understandable
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Chloe January 22, 2021 at 1:45 am
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