Progressive Waves

Unlike stationary waves, progressive waves transfer energy from one place to another, without transferring any of the matter they are travelling through. As mentioned on the shape of waves page, it simply displaces particles from their equilibrium position as it travels through a medium. These displaced particles are then 'snapped' back into place by neighbouring particles, which repel the displaced particle.

Progressive waves can be transverse or longitudinal - transverse waves displace particles perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer, whereas longitudinal waves displace particles parallel to the direction of energy transfer.