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Types of waves
(i) Mechanical waves: A mechanical wave is a periodic disturbance which requires
a material medium for its propagation. On the basis of motion of particles, the
mechanical waves are classified into two parts.
(a) Transverse wave
(b) Longitudinal wave
(a) Transverse wave: When the particles of the medium vibrate in a direction
perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave, the wave is known as the
transverse wave. For example, waves produced in a stretched string.
(b) Longitudinal wave: When the particles of the medium vibrate along the direction
of propagation of the wave then the wave is known as the longitudinal wave. For
example, sound waves in air.
(ii) Electromagnetic waves: The waves which do not require medium for
propagation are called electromagnetic waves these waves can travel through
vacuum also. For example, light waves, X-rays.
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