Which of the following properties show that light is a transverse wave? a) Reflection b) Interference c) Diffraction d) Polarization

Options

A. Reflection
B. interference
C. Differaction
D. Polarization

Answer

To determine which property shows that light is a transverse wave, we can analyze each option provided:

1. **Reflection**:
- Reflection occurs when light bounces off a surface. Both transverse waves (like light) and longitudinal waves (like sound) can reflect. Therefore, this property does not uniquely indicate that light is a transverse wave.

2. **Interference**:
- Interference is the phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves superpose to form a resultant wave. This can occur with both transverse waves (like light) and longitudinal waves (like sound). Thus, interference does not specifically demonstrate that light is a transverse wave.

3. **Diffraction**:
- Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles and openings. Like reflection and interference, diffraction can occur with both transverse and longitudinal waves. Therefore, this property does not uniquely indicate that light is a transverse wave.

4. **Polarization**:
- Polarization is a property that is unique to transverse waves. In polarization, the oscillations of the wave are restricted to a particular direction. Since light can be polarized, this property is a strong indicator that light is a transverse wave. Longitudinal waves, such as sound, cannot be polarized.

Based on this analysis, the property that shows that light is a transverse wave is **d) Polarization**.

### Summary of Steps:
1. Analyze each property: Reflection, Interference, Diffraction, and Polarization.
2. Determine if each property can occur with both transverse and longitudinal waves.
3. Identify that only Polarization is unique to transverse waves.
4. Conclude that the answer is Polarization.