Which of the following waves cannot be polarized because they are longitudinal in nature?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Sound waves in air are longitudinal waves, meaning particle oscillation occurs parallel to the direction of wave propagation, a geometry that prevents the asymmetry required for polarization. In contrast, electromagnetic waves like light, X-rays, and radio waves are transverse waves and can be readily polarized. This property distinguishes mechanical longitudinal waves from electromagnetic transverse waves in physics.