Final answer:
Waves are classified by their period, the time it takes a wave to complete one cycle. Generating forces can include wind or muscle contractions, while restoring forces involve gravity or elasticity. Waves are either periodic or pulse, with different characteristics for each.
Step-by-step explanation:
Classification of Waves by Period
Waves are classified by their period which is the time it takes for one complete cycle of the wave to pass a given point. The principle generating forces for waves include wind for water waves, muscle contractions for sound waves in vocal cords, and earthquakes for seismic waves. Conversely, the restoring forces are due to gravity in water waves, elastic forces in sound waves, and Earth's rigidity in the case of seismic waves.
There are two main types of mechanical waves based on the type of motion: transverse and longitudinal waves. In transverse waves, particles of the medium move perpendicular to the wave's direction of travel, while in longitudinal waves, particles move in the same direction as the wave.
Periodic Waves vs. Pulse Waves
A periodic wave is a continuous disturbance in a medium where the particles undergo simple harmonic motion, repeating the oscillation several cycles. A pulse wave, on the other hand, is a single disturbance that moves through the medium and is usually the result of a sudden single occurrence.