The physics ideas that relate to the question discussed in this Exam talkback, which is on polarisation, are summarised in At a glance (pp. 16–17). The question challenges you to put something very visual into words. For this you will need specialist vocabulary from different areas of physics.
Waves involve vector quantities. Their oscillations (displacements) and velocity of propagation have magnitude and direction — they are vectors. So to discuss waves, we need the idea of components — usually encountered in mechanics. Would you have been ready to make that link?
Your organisation does not have access to this article.
Sign up today to give your students the edge they need to achieve their best grades with subject expertise
Subscribe
