The phenomenon of polarization in light proves that light waves occur

The phenomenon of polarization in light proves that light waves occur transverse, which corresponds to option [C]. Polarization is a property that only transverse waves exhibit, as it involves the orientation of the oscillations perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. When light is polarized, its electric field vectors are aligned in a specific direction, filtering out waves vibrating in other directions. This can be achieved through various methods such as passing light through a polarizing filter, reflecting it off a surface at a specific angle (Brewster’s angle), or scattering it. The ability to polarize light confirms that its oscillations occur in planes perpendicular to the direction of travel, which is a characteristic of transverse waves. Longitudinal waves, such as sound waves, cannot be polarized because their oscillations occur in the same direction as the wave’s propagation. Thus, polarization is a definitive proof of the transverse nature of light waves, highlighting the distinct manner in which they propagate and interact with various media.