NEET Physics Wave Properties MCQ Question

To address the question regarding the properties of waves, we will analyze each statement and clarify why the correct answer is C) Both 1 & 2.

Statement Analysis

Option A: Radio waves can be polarized but sound waves cannot.

Explanation:

• Polarization is a property relevant to transverse waves. It refers to the orientation of the oscillations in the wave. In transverse waves, the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Examples of transverse waves include light waves and radio waves.
• Radio Waves: These are electromagnetic waves, and because they are transverse waves, they can indeed be polarized.
• Sound Waves: These are longitudinal waves, where the oscillations occur in the same direction as the wave propagation. Longitudinal waves cannot be polarized because they do not have transverse oscillations to orient.

Thus, Option A is correct.

Option B: Interference occurs in both transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Explanation:

• Interference refers to the phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves overlap and combine to form a resultant wave.
• Both transverse and longitudinal waves can undergo interference. For example, when two sound waves (longitudinal) meet, they can interfere constructively or destructively, leading to changes in amplitude. Similarly, when two light waves (transverse) meet, they can also interfere.

Thus, Option B is also correct.

Conclusion

Since both statements A and B are correct, the correct answer is C) Both 1 & 2.

Why Other Options are Incorrect

• Option D: Neither 1 & 2
  • This option is incorrect because we have established that both statements A and B are true.

Summary of Concepts

1. Polarization: A property of transverse waves (e.g., radio waves) that allows them to oscillate in specific orientations, unlike longitudinal waves (e.g., sound waves) which cannot be polarized.

2. Interference: A phenomenon that occurs in both types of waves:

   • Transverse Waves: Can interfere through superposition (constructive/destructive interference of light).
   • Longitudinal Waves: Also capable of interference (constructive/destructive interference of sound).

Relevant Formulas and Concepts

While interference does not have a specific formula like other topics in physics, it can often be illustrated by the principle of superposition, which states:

$$y = y_1 + y_2$$

where $y$ is the resultant wave, and $y_1$ and $y_2$ are the individual waves. This principle applies to both transverse and longitudinal waves, affirming that both can undergo interference.

In conclusion, both statements are accurate, confirming that option C) Both 1 & 2 is the correct choice.