Polarization

In general, there are two kinds of waves:

• Waves may be transverse.
• Waves may be longitudinal.

  For transverse waves, the individual disturbance is perpendicular to the direction of the wave motion as a whole.

A wave on a string is a transverse wave. Light is a transverse wave.

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  For longitudinal waves, the individual disturbance is along the same direction as the wave motion as a whole.

Sound is a longitudinal wave. A slinky toy can support a longitudinal wave.

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Longitudinal waves can not be polarized. Light is a transverse wave so it may be polarized.

Total Internal Reflection			Summary

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(C) 2003, Doug Davis; all rights reserved