I keep getting “Polarisation” questions wrong in Wave Optics. What's the trap?
thinking sound can be polarised too.
The usual trap: thinking sound can be polarised too. How to avoid it: only transverse waves (light) polarise; longitudinal (sound) can't. Go back to the definition — light is a transverse wave, so its vibrations can be restricted to one plane — something only transverse waves can do.
Key point
Polarisation
Common mistake
thinking sound can be polarised too.
Memory tip
only transverse waves (light) polarise; longitudinal (sound) can't.
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