Unit: wave phenomena
Year: 1988 Question#: 44
Question: Which phenomena can be observed for transverse waves only?
(1 ) reflection
(2 ) diffraction
(3 ) polarization
(4 ) refraction
What is this question really asking?
Explanation by: Meghan K.
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Answer 1
reflection
Incorrect
Reflection is when a ray rebounds from the surface of a second medium. This happens whenever a wave travels from one medium to another. It happens with both transverse and longitudinal waves.
normal
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Answer 2
diffraction
Incorrect
Diffraction is the spreading of light behind a barrier as shown in below diagram. It can occur in either transverse or longitudinal.
return to top Answer 3
polarization
Correct.
Polarization is the condition of light in which all vibrations are confined one plane that is perpendicular to the direction of the waves motion. Only transverse waves can be polarized because longitudinal waves can only travel one way. (Back and forth in the direction of wave travel) return to top
Answer 4
refraction
Incorrect
Refraction, like reflection,occurs whenever a ray travels from one medium to another. Refraction is change in direction of a wave due to change in velocity. This happens with either type of wave.
return to top What's this question really asking?
What is a characteristic of transverse waves that is not also a characteristic of longitudinal waves? return to top
