Question

Describe an experiment to demonstrate transverse wave nature of light ?

Answer 1

Light always travels in such a way so as the direction of light wave is perpendicular to the direction of Propagation of the wave. This imparts the transverse nature to the light.

Experiment to demonstrate this ⇒ Polarization of the light waves proves the transverse nature of the light waves.

Light waves are passed through two crystals namely Polarizer and Analyzer.

Let us name Polarizer as A and Analyzer as B.

Now, we can say that, When crystal A and B are parallel to each other, the intensity of light entering A passes through B without any change.

But, if the orientation or origination of Analyzer changes with respect to Polarizer then the intensity of light emerging from Analyzer changes and finally it also becomes zero when the Polarizer is at right angles with respect to the Analyzer.

This Proves that the light waves is transverse in nature. If light waves will be not be traverse then there in tensity will not be zero.

Hope it helps.

Answer 2

RECTILINEAR PROPERTY OF LIGHT

1)According to FERMAT'S PRINCIPLE,

light takes the path that takes the minimum time to traverse.

2)Generally light chooses the straight path which is the shortest path connecting any two points according to euclidean geometry.

Experiment

1)Take one candle and 3 cardboards for the experiment

2)Then place them in a line as shown in the attachment.

3)Make 3 holes in cardboard such that the holes are in same line with the candle as in the attachment shown above.

4)Light up the candle and see the light thought the holes. You will see that it is coming in a straight line and is clearly visible.

5)Then move any one of the cardboard slightly from it's postition and then you will see that you can't observe the light that was earlier visible as the 3 holes were not in straight line now.

THIS PROVES LINE TRAVELS IN A STRAIGHT LINE.

thanks