Question

Choose the incorrect statement from the following.
(A) Sound waves and light waves exhibit Interference
(B) Sound waves and light waves exhibit Diffraction
(C) Sound waves can undergo Polarization and Light waves cannot
(D) Light waves can undergo Polarization and Sound waves cannot

Answer 1

Hint: In order to solve this question, we should know that Sound waves are longitudinal in nature whereas Light waves are transverse in nature, here we will discuss each option and then figure out the incorrect one.

Complete answer:
As we know, Interference is the phenomenon where two waves add together in each point of space and time and forms a new resultant wave by adding their amplitudes. and this property is shown by both Lightwave as well as a Sound wave. So, option (A) Sound waves and light waves exhibit Interference is correct.

Diffraction is the phenomenon of spreading of waves due to the presence of sharp obstacles or around sharp corners Both Light and Sound waves show this property hence, option (B) Sound waves and light waves exhibit Diffraction is also correct.

Polarization is the phenomenon in which the geometrical orientation of oscillation of wave is specified by using polarizers and it’s possible only in transverse waves, so Sound waves can’t show this property as they are longitudinal in nature whereas Light waves can undergo polarization. Hence, option (C) Sound waves can undergo Polarization and Light waves cannot is incorrect.

Hence, the correct option is (C) Sound waves can undergo Polarization and Light waves cannot.

Note: It should be remembered that Interference, Diffraction, and Polarization are the phenomenon that shows the wave nature of light and Longitudinal waves mean the particles oscillate in the direction of the propagation of the wave.