A mechanical wave is a type of wave that transfers energy through matter by causing it to oscillate. Unlike electromagnetic waves, which can travel through a vacuum, mechanical waves require a medium to propagate. The medium can be a solid, liquid, or gas, and the wave can only travel as far as the medium allows. There are three types of mechanical waves: transverse waves, longitudinal waves, and surface waves. Some common examples of mechanical waves include water waves, sound waves, and seismic waves.

The key properties of mechanical waves include amplitude, frequency, and speed. Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of the medium from its equilibrium position, while frequency refers to the number of oscillations per unit time. Speed refers to the rate at which the wave travels through the medium.

Mechanical waves are produced by a disturbance or oscillation that travels through matter, transferring energy from one point to another. For example, when a pebble is dropped into a pond, the waters surface ripples outward, and the water particles move up and down, transferring the waves energy to neighboring particles.

In summary, a mechanical wave is a type of wave that transfers energy through matter by causing it to oscillate. It requires a medium to propagate and can be produced by a disturbance or oscillation that travels through matter.