Sonar stands for "sound navigation and ranging,” and it is used to map and explore the ocean floor.

what best describes a sonar wave?

transverse and electromagnetic
transverse and mechanical
longitudinal and electromagnetic
longitudinal and mechanical

longitudinal and mechanical wave

Explanation:

An electromagnetic wave can travel in both space and medium. It travels at the speed of light in space and slows down in medium. An electromagnetic wave is a transverse wave because the medium particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of motion of the wave in the medium.

A mechanical wave requires medium to travel. It transfers energy through oscillations of the medium particles.

SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) uses sound waves to map and explore ocean floor. Sound waves are sent out. When these bounce off a body, the reflected waves are detected and distance is measured.

A Sound wave is a mechanical wave. It requires medium to travel. It moves forward through compression and rarefaction of the density of the medium.

A SONAR wave is a mechanical wave and longitudinal. The water molecules oscillate in the direction of motion of the wave.

Thus, the correct answer is longitudinal and mechanical.

there are no contact forces mentioned on the list of choices that you've provided.