Answer: Polarization (wave can be polarized only for transverse waves with vector displacement).
- A Polarization (wave can be polarized only for transverse waves with vector displacement)
- B Ordinary reflection of the wave off a flat boundary surface under typical conditions
- C Ordinary refraction of the wave passing into a denser medium according to standard textbooks
- D The Doppler effect shifting the wave's observed frequency in general practice as frequently described
Correct answer: A. Polarization (wave can be polarized only for transverse waves with vector displacement)
Explanation: Polarization shows that E has a specific direction perpendicular to propagation (vector nature of transverse EM wave). Unpolarized light has E randomly oriented; polarized light has a defined E direction.
In an electromagnetic wave, the oscillating electric field (E) and magnetic field (B) are perpendicular to each other and to the direction the wave travels - a purely transverse wave that needs no medium, unlike sound.
Concept context
Maxwell's equations, EM spectrum, properties, and applications of each band.