We call a wave that is carried by vibrations through a physical medium a mechanical wave.

Here's why:

* Mechanical waves require a medium (like air, water, or a solid) to propagate. The particles in the medium oscillate, transferring energy from one point to another.

* Examples: Sound waves, water waves, and seismic waves are all mechanical waves.

In contrast, electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to travel. They can propagate through a vacuum like space. Examples include light, radio waves, and X-rays.