Continuous mechanical waves can travel in different modes depending on the medium through which they propagate. The two primary types of continuous mechanical waves are:
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Transverse Waves: In transverse waves, the displacement of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. A common example of a transverse wave is a wave on a string or surface water wave, where the movement is up and down while the wave travels horizontally.
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Longitudinal Waves: In longitudinal waves, the displacement of the medium is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Sound waves in air are a classic example; as the wave travels through the air, compressions and rarefactions of air particles occur along the direction of wave travel.
These waves can also exhibit various modes, such as standing waves, which can occur in both transverse and longitudinal forms depending on the boundary conditions of the medium.