Which of the following is an example of a mechanical wave?

A mechanical wave is a type of wave that requires a medium to travel through, such as air, water, or a solid substance. Both ocean waves and sound waves are examples of mechanical waves because they rely on the movement of particles in the medium to propagate.

Ocean waves are mechanical waves that occur at the interface of air and water, where the energy moves through the water, causing it to oscillate. This movement can be seen through the up-and-down motion of the water surface.

Sound waves are also mechanical waves, but they travel through the air (or other media) as vibrations of air particles. When a sound is produced, it creates compressions and rarefactions in the medium, allowing the sound to travel to our ears.

In contrast, light waves are not mechanical; they are electromagnetic waves that can travel through a vacuum, meaning they do not require a medium to propagate. This distinction is crucial in differentiating between types of waves. Thus, the correct answer encompasses both ocean waves and sound waves as examples of mechanical waves.