Acoustic waves are vibrations that travel through a medium, such as air, water, or solid materials. These waves are produced by a source, like a vibrating string or a speaker, and can be heard as sound when they reach our ears. The frequency of these waves determines the pitch of the sound, while the amplitude affects its loudness. There are two main types of acoustic waves: longitudinal and transverse. In longitudinal waves, the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave, as seen in sound waves. In contrast, transverse waves have particles that move perpendicular to the wave direction, which is common in water waves.