Answer to Question #294173 in Optics for Chemistry

Question

Does it make sense to talk about the polarization of a longitudinal wave, such as a sound wave? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Solution

According to concept of physics  longitudinal waves such as sound waves cannot be polarized because The polarization of a wave is represented by the orientation of oscillations in space with respect to the disturbed medium. Therefore A polarized wave vibrates in a single plane in space.so it is not possible polarization of a longitudinal wave, such as a sound wave.