A Short Note on Properties of Medium for Mechanical Wave Propagation

Mechanical waves are waves that need a medium in order to transfer energy from one location to another. Focusing on this specific information, the study has intended to cast focus on the explanation of the concept of wave propagation. In addition to explaining the mechanical wave propagation, the study will further include the discussion regarding the overview of the inertia and the effect that is created on the wave by the elasticity and the frictional force. 

Wave Propagation: Explanation

The propagation of waves refers to any kind of the ways that help in travelling the energy through the vibrating particles. The examples of wave propagation have included the waves of air and light. In addition, a wave has been considered an oscillation that travels through the space of time. The transfer of energy has accompanied it. Based on the information, the mode of wave propagation can be of three types including space wave propagation, ground wave propagation and propagation of sky wave. 

How Mechanical Waves Can Be Propagated

In order to propagate the waves that are mechanical, the inclusion of the properties like inertia and elasticity has been considered essential. The medium needs to be isotropic in order to have the propagation of mechanical waves. That means the properties of the medium need to be equally distributed in all directions. On the other hand, elasticity has been required in order to make the particles able to return to their general position. 

Types of Mechanical Waves

The waves that are mechanical have been classified into three different classes. The three different types of mechanical waves are transverse waves, surface waves and longitudinal waves. 

• In a transverse wave, the particles of the medium vibrate in a perpendicular direction to the direction of the wave motion
• The moment, the particles of the medium start vibrating from the medium to a parallel direction that is equivalent to the direction of the wave, the vase is recognised as a longitudinal wave
• The waves that are travelled along with the interface’s surface-level are called surface waves.

Overview of Inertia

In accordance with the general law of physics, an object always possesses a tendency of resisting any changes in its state of rest or motion. This particular tendency of an object is popularly known as inertia. In simple terms, inertia refers to the tendency of resisting any change in motion of the wave particles. In the time of propagation of a mechanical wave, inertia has been considered one of the main properties that are known as the most essential ones. The kind of mechanical waves that are possibly found in a fluid that is rotating is called inertial waves. 

Effect Of Elasticity On A Wave

The elasticity present in the particles of the medium through which the energy is transferred is considered an essential aspect of the generation of the mechanical wave. As mechanical waves have the tendency to resist the change that happens in the motion of the wave particles, the particles need to have proper elasticity in order to restore the previous position in the medium. After being displaced, the particles of the medium need to return back to their original positions in a mechanical wave that is influenced by the elasticity. 

Effect of the Frictional Force on the Wave

In order to maintain the oscillation of the particles of the medium, a minimum frictional force is required. In general terminology, the opposing force that is generated between two kinds of surfaces that try to move is recognised as the frictional force. Based on this, it can be stated that the propagation process of mechanical waves is needed in order to maintain a sufficient distance of mechanical waves. 

Conclusion 

In the current study, it has been seen that the waves of sound and air are considered the proper examples of mechanical waves. The classification of mechanical waves has included three different kinds of waves: surface waves, transverse waves and many more. Following the inclusion of these facts, the study has further included the information regarding how inertia has been considered a factor in order to propagate mechanical waves. In order to propagate the waves that are mechanical, the effects of the frictional force have been included as well.