Why can sound waves in air not be polarised, while light waves can?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Sound is a longitudinal wave, and only transverse waves can be polarised
- Step 1: Polarisation restricts oscillations to one plane perpendicular to the direction of travel. Step 2. Longitudinal oscillations lie along the direction of travel, so they have no perpendicular plane to restrict. Answer: Sound is a longitudinal wave, and only transverse waves can be polarised. Why not the others: wavelength, speed and frequency are not the cause.
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