The Waves

Waves are disturbances that transfer energy through a medium—like water, air, or solid materials—without the bulk movement of matter. They are characterized by a repeating pattern of crests and troughs (for surface waves) or compressions and rarefactions (for sound waves). Waves can travel through different environments and vary in speed, size, and energy depending on their type. For example, seismic waves shake the ground during earthquakes, while sound waves allow us to hear. Essentially, waves move energy from one point to another, often over large distances, while the medium itself mostly returns to its original shape.