Physics Bootcamp

The displacement from the equilibrium is often a vector property. The relative direction of the displacement and the direction of travel of wave defines the polarization of the wave.

If the displacements of particles of the medium happen perpendicular to the direction of travel of wave, e.g. when a rope is moved up and down at one end while the wave travels down the rope, we say that the wave is transversely polarized. In some waves, e.g., sound waves in air, the particles of air vibrate along the same axis as the wave travel. These types of waves are said to polarized longitudinally.

The longitudinal and transverse waves are easily demonstrated by waves on a slinky (Figure 14.2.1). Tie one end of a slinky to a post or ask a friend to hold it firmly. Hold the other end so that slinky is a little extended and taut.

Now, you can set either a longitudinally polarized or a transversely polarized wave down the length of slinky. To get a longitudinally polarized wave, bunch a few turns together and let go, you will notice that the slinky winds and unwinds keeping the bunch shape of the disturbance more or less intact. To get a transversely polarized wave, pull one of the loops little to the right, left, up or down and let go. The transverse wave will travel down the slinky as it does for the rope described above.