What do waves primarily transmit?

Waves primarily transmit energy, which is a fundamental concept in physics and oceanography. When a wave travels through a medium, such as water, it transfers energy from one location to another without the permanent displacement of the medium itself. For example, in ocean waves, the energy generated by the wind is transferred through the water, causing the water's surface to rise and fall, creating the visible wave pattern. This transmission of energy can result in various effects, such as erosion of coastlines and the movement of boats on water.

The other options—sound, data, and mass—are not the primary transmissions of waves. While sound waves also transmit energy in the form of acoustic energy, sound is simply one type of wave. Data transmission typically relies on digital signals or electromagnetic waves, which is a different context from what physical ocean waves represent. Mass is not transmitted by waves; instead, waves propagate through a medium by displacing that medium temporarily as they carry energy.