Waves transfer energy through matter or space without transferring matter. There are two main types of waves: longitudinal waves where the disturbance is parallel to the direction of motion, and transverse waves where the disturbance is perpendicular. Wave characteristics include amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and speed. Mechanical waves require a medium to travel through while electromagnetic waves can travel through empty space. The electromagnetic spectrum includes radio waves, microwaves, visible light, x-rays, and more.