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An 'elastic wave' is a type of mechanical wave that propagates in elastic or viscoelastic materials. The elasticity of the material provides the restoring force of the wave. When they occur in the Earth as the result of an earthquake or other disturbance, elastic waves are usually called seismic waves.

Contents

Linear elastic wave

See also

Linear elastic wave

Solids are often assumed to exhibit linear elasticity. That is, Hooke's law is assumed to be valid. The restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement (or strain), but is oppositely directed.

See also

★ Simple harmonic motion