Why are sound waves called mechanical waves ?

Explanation

Waves which need a material medium for propagation are called mechanical waves. Since sound waves also need a material medium for propagation, these waves are called mechanical waves. Sound wave are called mechanical waves or elastic waves as they are produced in a deformable or elastic medium. Unlike electromagnetic waves, sound waves need a medium to sustain them. Mechanical waves are governed by Newton.s laws of motion. Since these waves are formed due to vibration of particles of medium, they are mechanical in nature.