Which one of the following phenomena CANNOT be exhibited by sound wave

Which one of the following phenomena CANNOT be exhibited by sound waves ?

Reflection

Refraction

Interference

Polarisation

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2019

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Sound waves are longitudinal waves, meaning the oscillations of the medium particles are parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Polarisation is a phenomenon exhibited only by transverse waves, where oscillations occur perpendicular to the direction of propagation, allowing them to be restricted to a specific plane. Since sound waves in air are longitudinal, they cannot be polarised.

The key principle here is understanding the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves and which wave phenomena apply to each. Polarisation is a characteristic property of transverse waves.

Sound waves can exhibit reflection (e.g., echoes), refraction (bending of sound waves when passing from one medium to another or through variations in temperature/density within a medium), and interference (superposition of waves resulting in constructive or destructive effects). These phenomena are common to both longitudinal and transverse waves under appropriate conditions. Sound waves can be transverse in solid materials, but typically when discussing ‘sound waves’ in the context of common phenomena, it refers to sound in air or liquids, which is longitudinal.

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