Final answer:
Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium to travel through and are not capable of propagating through a vacuum. They cause simple harmonic motion in the particles of the medium and involve kinetic and potential energy. Therefore correct option is A
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Waves
Sound waves are a type of mechanical wave, which means they require a medium, such as air, water, or solid materials, to travel through. Unlike electromagnetic waves, mechanical waves cannot propagate through a vacuum. Sound waves in records create vibrations that ultimately cause our ear drums to vibrate, allowing us to hear music. The grooves in records are specifically designed to create these mechanical vibrations.
When a sound wave passes through a medium, the particles of that medium experience simple harmonic motion, moving back and forth as the wave propagates. The motion involves both kinetic energy, as particles move, and potential energy, due to the elasticity of the material.
It's important not to confuse sound waves with electromagnetic waves, which are transverse waves and can travel through a vacuum. Examples of electromagnetic waves include light waves, X-rays, and radio waves.