Question

Why can sound waves not be polarized?

Answer 1

Hint:In order to solve this question, we are going to firstly define what the sound waves are and what the orientation of their vibrations is. Then the polarization is defined and how it takes place in the medium. Then, it is explained why the sound waves which are longitudinal waves cannot be polarized.

Complete step-by-step solution:
Sound waves are longitudinal waves that vibrate along the direction of motion. The polarization of a wave is given by the orientation of oscillations in space with respect to the disturbed medium. A polarized wave is the one that vibrates in a single plane in the medium or the space. Now the polarization consists of the orientation of the vibrations in a single direction that is perpendicular to the direction of motion. Where the transverse waves are very easily polarized, the longitudinal waves cannot be polarized. This is because the longitudinal waves have their vibrations in the direction of the motion itself while in transverse waves the direction of the vibrations of the molecules is perpendicular to the direction of motion. The sound waves are a type of longitudinal waves only that have the direction of their vibrations along the direction of motion of the waves. That is why the sound waves cannot be polarized.

Note:It is important to note that the sound generally travels through the longitudinal waves. Sound also travels through the transversal waves but there is a phase difference of degrees for it to travel. The sound waves consist of periodic disturbances and the alignment of these disturbances is with the direction of the sound waves.