4.3 Discussion: Waves You have learned that there are many types of waves. They fall into two categories: 1. mechanical, which includes longitudinal and transverse waves 2. electromagnetic. Using the list of examples as a starting point, pick a type of wave and answer the following questions. 1. What type of wave is this - mechanical or electromagnetic? If mechanical, is it longitudinal or transverse? 2. What is the wave used for? 3. What usually generates the wave? Which wave properties can be manipulated and how? 4. What happens if the properties are manipulated? (For example, if you can change the amplitude of the wave, what effect would be noticed?) Does it stay the same type of wave? 5. What real-world examples can you think of with this wave? Examples of waves: earthquake waves, sonic boom, waves crashing on a beach, x rays, light, infrared, TV waves, microwaves, waves used by a radar gun, water ripples in a pond, radio waves