Question

Which of the following does not exhibit polarization?

• A. Longitudinal wave in a gas
• B. Transverse wave in a gas
• C. Neither (a) nor (b)
• D. Both (a) and (b)

Hint:

Remember: Only transverse waves exhibit polarization. Longitudinal waves do not.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Only transverse waves can be polarized, because polarization involves restricting the vibrations to a single plane, which is only possible if the direction of vibration is perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
In gases, longitudinal waves (like sound) involve compressions and rarefactions along the direction of propagation and cannot be polarized.
Transverse waves (though uncommon in gases) can, in principle, be polarized if they exist.