Answer – A sound wave is a mechanical, longitudinal wave.

Explanation: 

Waves are classified into different types based on their properties. While considering the medium of propagation, they can be grouped into electromagnetic or mechanical waves.

Electromagnetic waves are those that do not require a medium to propagate. In other words, they can travel through vacuum. Examples are light, radio signals, microwaves, and ultraviolet rays.

Mechanical waves, on the other hand, are those that need a medium to propagate. A sound wave is a type of mechanical wave since it needs a solid, liquid, or gaseous medium (like metal, water, or air). The speed of sound also varies depending on which medium it passes through. Other examples of mechanical waves include ripples in a pond and seismic waves. 

Waves are further categorized into transverse and longitudinal waves based on the direction of wave motion.

In transverse waves, the particles in the medium vibrate in a direction perpendicular to that of wave propagation. Examples include surface ripples on water, radio waves, seismic s-waves, and light waves.

In longitudinal waves, the direction of movement of the medium particles is parallel to that of wave propagation. A sound wave is a type of longitudinal wave. Its compressions (high pressure regions where the medium’s particles are close together) and rarefactions (low pressure regions where the medium’s particles are apart) are parallel to the wave direction. Other examples of longitudinal waves include ultrasound waves and seismic p-waves.

Therefore, a sound wave is a type of mechanical, longitudinal wave.

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