Energy waves are disturbances that transfer energy through space or a medium without permanently displacing the particles of that medium. Common examples include sound waves, which travel through air, and electromagnetic waves, such as light, which can move through a vacuum. These waves are characterized by their wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. Energy waves can be classified into two main types: mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves. Mechanical waves, like ocean waves and seismic waves, require a medium to travel through, while electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves and X-rays, do not need a medium and can propagate through empty space.