Physics – 3.1 General properties of waves | e-Consult

The waves created by the falling stone are transverse waves, meaning the displacement of the water particles is perpendicular to the direction the wave travels. The water particles themselves do not travel across the pond with the wave. Instead, the energy from the falling stone is transferred through the water in the form of vibrations. These vibrations cause the water particles to move up and down (or side to side), but the particles don't travel a significant distance with the wave. Therefore, the energy is transported, but the matter (water) is not. The wave is a disturbance that propagates through the medium, carrying energy.

• The water particles oscillate up and down (or side to side) but do not travel across the pond.
• Energy is transferred through the water via these oscillations.
• The water particles remain largely in their original position.