Which one of the following optical phenomena supports that the light i

Which one of the following optical phenomena supports that the light is a transverse wave ?

Refraction
Diffraction
Interference
Polarization
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2023
Polarization is an optical phenomenon that specifically demonstrates the transverse nature of light waves. Polarization occurs when the oscillations of the wave are restricted to a specific plane or direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Only transverse waves, where the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of travel, can be polarized. Longitudinal waves, such as sound waves in air, oscillate parallel to the direction of propagation and cannot be polarized. Refraction, diffraction, and interference are phenomena that occur with both transverse and longitudinal waves.
– Polarization is the restriction of wave oscillations to a specific plane.
– Only transverse waves can be polarized.
– Refraction, diffraction, and interference occur for both wave types.
Polarization can happen through various methods like absorption (using polaroid filters), reflection (Brewster’s angle), scattering, and birefringence. The observation of polarization in light provided crucial evidence that light is a transverse wave.
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