Mechanical oscillation refers to the repetitive back-and-forth movement of an object around a central point or equilibrium position. Examples include the swinging of a pendulum or the vibration of a guitar string. A sound wave is a type of mechanical wave that travels through a medium, such as air, water, or solids, as a result of vibrating particles. Sound waves are longitudinal, meaning the particles in the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's propagation.

Measures how hot or cold an object is, indicating the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance. Higher temperature means more energetic particles. The science of measuring temperature using instruments like thermometers. Common temperature scales include Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin. Thermometers work by sensing changes in physical properties, such as the expansion of liquids (mercury, alcohol) or resistance in electronic sensors, corresponding to temperature changes.