Which of the following demonstrates that light waves are transverse waves?
Correct answer: B. Polarization
- A. Interference
- B. Polarization
- C. Diffraction
- D. Reflection
Explanation
The correct answer is Polarization. Polarization filters light waves so that they oscillate in only one plane, which is evidence of their transverse nature, as only transverse waves can be polarized. This phenomenon highlights the perpendicular oscillations relative to the direction of wave travel, a characteristic unique to transverse waves.In contrast, Interference and Diffraction describe wave behaviors that do not directly indicate whether the waves are transverse or longitudinal. Similarly, Reflection alters the direction of waves but provides no information about their oscillation orientation, thus not demonstrating the transverse nature of light.
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About Optics
Light is studied through reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction and polarization, linking ray behavior with its wave nature. Questions may involve mirrors, lenses, optical instruments, refractive index and image formation, while geometrical optics deals with rays and wave optics explains effects such as interference and diffraction.
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