What type of wave carries sound from plucked strings in musical instruments?

Sound from plucked strings in musical instruments is classified as a mechanical wave. Mechanical waves require a medium through which to travel, such as air, water, or solids. When a string is plucked, it vibrates, creating disturbances in the surrounding air molecules, which then propagate the sound. This process exemplifies how mechanical waves rely on physical interaction within a medium.

Transverse waves can be found in specific contexts, such as waves on a string or electromagnetic waves in a vacuum, but they are not the primary classification for sound. Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation and do not require a medium, while vibrational wave is not a standard term used in wave mechanics. Therefore, selecting mechanical wave accurately reflects the nature of sound transmission through a medium in the context of musical instruments.