Waves are one way in which energy may be transferred between stores. Both mechanical and electromagnetic waves will transfer energy but not matter.
Waves are one of the ways in which energy may be transferred between stores. Waves can be described as oscillations, or vibrations about a rest position. For example:
The direction of these oscillations is the difference between longitudinal or transverse waves. In longitudinal waves, the vibrations are parallel to the direction of wave travel. In transverse waves, the vibrations are at right angles to the direction of wave travel.
Mechanical waves cause oscillations of particles in a solid, liquid or gas and must have a medium to travel through. Electromagnetic waves cause oscillations in electrical and magnetic fields.
Waves are described using the following terms: