What is sound classified as?

Sound is classified as a mechanical wave produced by vibrating objects. This is because sound requires a medium, such as air, water, or solid materials, to propagate. When an object vibrates, it creates pressure fluctuations in the medium, which are then transmitted as sound waves. These waves are characterized by alternating areas of compression and rarefaction as they move through the medium.

Mechanical waves, including sound, rely on the interaction of particles within a medium to carry energy. This is distinct from electromagnetic waves, which can travel through a vacuum and do not require a medium. Sound waves are also typically classified as longitudinal waves, where the oscillations of the medium's particles are parallel to the direction of wave travel, differing from transverse waves, where particles move perpendicular to the wave's direction. Thus, the classification of sound as a mechanical wave produced by vibrating objects accurately captures its nature and behavior in various environments.