What do waves primarily transfer?

Waves primarily transfer energy through a medium, whether it be air, water, or solid materials. When a wave travels, it causes the particles of the medium to oscillate around their equilibrium positions, but these particles do not travel along with the wave itself. Instead, the energy is transmitted as the wave moves forward. For instance, in mechanical waves like sound waves, energy is transferred through vibrations of particles, while in electromagnetic waves, such as light, energy travels through the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields.

While information and force can sometimes be communicated through waves, the fundamental property that defines the behavior of all wave types is their ability to carry energy. Regarding mass, waves do not transfer mass; they may cause particles to move, but the particles remain in the medium and only the energy of their motion is conveyed by the wave. Thus, the correct understanding of waves focuses on their role in energy transfer.