Wave motion can be modeled as a network of masses connected by springs. The connections between adjacent masses allow local disturbances to spread, as shown above for a spherical surface vibrated at opposite ends. High frequency vibrations induce complex collective motions, while the lowest frequency vibration shown excites the "breathing mode" of the sphere, in which the entire sphere alternately expands and contracts. The size of the waves is exaggerated severalfold.
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