In circular or elliptical polarization, the fields rotate at a constant rate in a plane as the wave travels, either in the right-hand or in the left-hand direction. In linear polarization, the fields oscillate in a single direction. Transverse waves that exhibit polarization include electromagnetic waves such as light and radio waves, gravitational waves, and transverse sound waves ( shear waves) in solids.Īn electromagnetic wave such as light consists of a coupled oscillating electric field and magnetic field which are always perpendicular to each other by convention, the 'polarization' of electromagnetic waves refers to the direction of the electric field. In contrast, in longitudinal waves, such as sound waves in a liquid or gas, the displacement of the particles in the oscillation is always in the direction of propagation, so these waves do not exhibit polarization.

Depending on how the string is plucked, the vibrations can be in a vertical direction, horizontal direction, or at any angle perpendicular to the string. A simple example of a polarized transverse wave is vibrations traveling along a taut string (see image) for example, in a musical instrument like a guitar string. In a transverse wave, the direction of the oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the wave.

Polarization ( also polarisation) is a property of transverse waves which specifies the geometrical orientation of the oscillations. Circular polarization on rubber thread, converted to linear polarization

Linear intensity of light equation