(Ã´r'dn-Ä­t) The distance of a point from the x-axis on a graph in the Cartesian coordinate system. It is measured parallel to the y-axis. For example, a point having coordinates (2,3) has 3 as its ordinate. Compare abscissa.
How well s waves travel depends on the medium's shear modulus, or rigidity. Liquids and gases have no rigidity so they do not allow s waves to propagate(travel). P waves depenâ¦d on the medium's bulk modulus, or compressibility, so they propagate in liquids and gases, as well as solids, since they are both compressible. 6 people found this useful.
A second way that waves are characterized is by the types of matter they are able to travel through. Electromagnetic waves (including light) can move through a vacuum. Physical waves require matter through which to propagate. Physical waves are further distinguished by the phases of matter through which they can move.