Why are sound waves called mechanical waves ?

Options

A. Because they travel with the speed of light
B. Because they do not require any material medium for propagation
C. Because they need material medium for propagation
D. None of these

Answer

C

Explanation

Waves which need a material medium for propagation are called mechanical waves. Since sound waves also need a material medium for propagation, these are called mechanical waves. Sound waves are called mechanical waves or elastic waves as these are produced in a defortable or elastic medium. Unlike electromagnetic waves, sound waves need a medium to sustain them. Mechanical waves are governed by Newton's laws of motion.