All questions of Wave for UPSC CSE Exam

Understanding Polarization of Waves
Polarization is a phenomenon that occurs when waves oscillate in a particular direction. Not all types of waves can be polarized, and here's why electromagnetic waves can be polarized, while others cannot.
Electromagnetic Waves
- Nature of Electromagnetic Waves: Electromagnetic waves consist of electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation.
- Ability to Polarize: Since the electric field vector can oscillate in different orientations, these waves can be selectively filtered to allow only specific orientations to pass through. This capability is what makes them polarizable.
- Applications: Polarization is utilized in various technologies, including polarized sunglasses, LCD screens, and radio communications.
Mechanical Waves
- Definition: Mechanical waves, such as sound waves or waves on a string, require a medium to travel through and involve the oscillation of particles in that medium.
- Inability to Polarize: Mechanical waves typically oscillate in a direction parallel to their propagation (longitudinal waves) or in a plane (transverse waves), but they cannot be polarized in the same way as electromagnetic waves.
Matter Waves
- Quantum Context: Matter waves, associated with particles like electrons, exhibit wave-particle duality as described by quantum mechanics.
- Polarization Limitations: While matter waves can exhibit some wave-like properties, they do not demonstrate polarization in the same sense as electromagnetic waves. The concept of polarization is not applicable to matter waves as it is in classical physics.
Conclusion
In summary, only electromagnetic waves can be polarized due to their unique oscillatory nature, making option 'A' the correct answer. Understanding this concept is crucial in various fields, including optics and telecommunications.