A mechanical wave is a wave that is an oscillation of matter, and therefore transfers energy through a medium. Movement of the medium (material) of transmission is limited. Mechanical waves can be produced only in media which possess elasticity and inertia.

There are three types of mechanical waves—transverse, longitudinal, and surface.

• Transverse wave—causes the medium to vibrate at right angles to the wave vector.
• Longitudinal wave—causes the medium to compress and rarify in parallel to the wave vector.
• Surface wave—travels along a surface between two media.