Polarization
Waves may be transverse or longitudinal.
Only transverse waves can be polarized.
A wave on a string is an example of a transverse wave. Light is a transverse electromagnetic wave so it can be polarized.
Sound is an example of a longitudinal wave; sound can not be polarized.
Return to Ch 23, Reflection and Refraction of Light (c) Doug Davis, 2002; all rights reserved
