Question

Which of the following properties shows that light is a transverse wave?
A. Reflection
B. Interference
C. Diffraction
D. Polarization

Answer 1

Hint: Transverse waves other ways in which the direction of oscillation of the medium particle of the wave is perpendicular to its direction of propagation of the wave. Polarization is the property which shows the light is transverse in nature.

Complete answer:
Transverse waves are the waves in which the direction of oscillation of the medium particle is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. Let us consider each option given in the question:

Reflection: reflection of light is the property by which the light travelling in one medium bounces back into the same medium at a boundary separating two mediums. It shows the wave nature of light.

Interference: Interference refers to the superposition of two or more waves which results in a wave of larger or smaller or the same amplitude. Interference shows the wave nature of light.

Diffraction: Diffraction of light is referred to as the bending of light at the edge of an obstacle. It shows the wave nature of light.

Polarization: Polarization is a process in which an unpolarised light travelling in a different plane is passed through a polarizer and gets polarized to move in a single plane. The transverse light propagates in the direction perpendicular to the direction of oscillation of its medium particle and therefore has two planes of vibration. When this light is passed through a polarizer it gets polarized to vibrate through a single plane. Therefore polarization shows the transverse nature of light.

Hence, option D is the correct answer.

Note: The wave nature of light is shown by the phenomenon of reflection, interference, diffraction and polarization. However a polarizer polarizers an unpolarised light into polarized light showing the transverse nature of light.