What is an example of a mechanical wave?

A mechanical wave is a type of wave that requires a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through. Sound waves are a perfect example of this type of wave, as they propagate by vibrating the molecules in the medium they are traveling through, such as air or water. When a sound is produced, it creates compressions and rarefactions in the medium, allowing the sound energy to move from one point to another.

In contrast, light waves, radio waves, and X-ray waves are examples of electromagnetic waves, which do not require a medium to propagate. Instead, they can travel through the vacuum of space, demonstrating different properties and behaviors compared to mechanical waves like sound. This fundamental requirement for a medium is a key characteristic that distinguishes mechanical waves from electromagnetic waves, making sound waves the correct choice in this context.