Only transverse waves can be polarised because polarisation restricts
Correct answer: C. the plane in which the vibrations occur
- A. the speed of the wave
- B. the frequency of the wave
- C. the plane in which the vibrations occur
- D. the amplitude of the wave
Explanation
A transverse wave vibrates in any plane perpendicular to its direction of travel, so a filter can select one of those planes, whereas a longitudinal wave vibrates only along the direction of travel and there is nothing to select. This is why sound cannot be polarised but light can. The fact that light can be polarised is direct evidence that it is a transverse wave.
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About Progressive Waves
Progressive waves transfer energy through a medium or space while particles oscillate about their equilibrium positions. The work includes amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period, phase difference, wave speed and the progressive wave equation, while distinguishing travelling waves from stationary waves, where the pattern has fixed nodes and antinodes.
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