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Both electromagnetic waves and sound waves can be reflected - OCR - A-Level Physics A - Question 4 - 2009 - Paper 1
Question 4
Both electromagnetic waves and sound waves can be reflected. State two other wave phenomena that apply to both electromagnetic waves and sound waves. 1. 2. Expl... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Both electromagnetic waves and sound waves can be reflected - OCR - A-Level Physics A - Question 4 - 2009 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Explain why electromagnetic waves can be polarised but sound waves cannot be polarised.
Answer
Electromagnetic waves can be polarised because they are transverse waves, allowing oscillations in specific directions perpendicular to the direction of propagation. In contrast, sound waves are longitudinal, with oscillations occurring in the same direction as the wave travels, making polarisation impossible.
Step 3
Describe briefly an experiment to demonstrate the polarisation of microwaves in the laboratory.
Answer
To demonstrate the polarisation of microwaves, set up a transmitter and receiver facing each other with an adjustable angle. Use a polarising filter at the transmitter. Rotate the filter while measuring the intensity of the received microwaves with a power meter. When the filter aligns with the polarisation direction of the microwaves, the intensity will be maximised, demonstrating the concept of polarisation. Observing a reduction in intensity when the filter is rotated to a perpendicular position confirms the effect of polarisation.