To address the properties of mechanical waves, let's analyze each statement one by one:
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Transverse: Yes, mechanical waves can be transverse. In a transverse wave, the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation (e.g., waves on a string).
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Longitudinal: Yes, mechanical waves can be longitudinal. In a longitudinal wave, the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation (e.g., sound waves in air).
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Propagate in a vacuum: No, mechanical waves cannot propagate in a vacuum. Mechanical waves require a physical medium (such as air, water, or solid materials) to travel through because they rely on the interaction and movement of particles in that medium.
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Propagate in a physical medium: Yes, mechanical waves propagate in a physical medium (like solids, liquids, and gases). This is a fundamental characteristic of mechanical waves.
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Compressed of high energy particles: This statement is somewhat vague. While mechanical waves can involve the motion of particles, they do not have to be specifically composed of high-energy particles. Mechanical waves can occur in various media regardless of the energy level of the particles, as long as there is a medium to transmit the wave.
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Transfer energy from particle to particle: Yes, mechanical waves transfer energy from particle to particle. As particles in the medium oscillate (in either a transverse or longitudinal manner), they transfer energy to adjacent particles, allowing the wave to propagate through the medium.
In summary, mechanical waves can be transverse and longitudinal, propagate in a physical medium, transfer energy from particle to particle, but cannot propagate in a vacuum and do not necessarily require high-energy particles.
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