College Physics (4th Edition)

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073512141
ISBN 13: 978-0-07351-214-3

Chapter 22 - Conceptual Questions - Page 861: 12

Answer

Since sound waves only oscillate in the direction of motion, sound waves can not be polarized.

Work Step by Step

EM waves are transverse waves. These waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of motion. However, sound waves are longitudinal waves. These waves oscillate parallel to the direction of motion. Since sound waves only oscillate in the direction of motion, sound waves can not be polarized.
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