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QPage 393: Q4: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 X-Rays Page 393: Q4 Solution: Can X-rays be polarised?

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often assume only visible or low‑frequency light can be polarized, overlooking that polarization is a fundamental property of any transverse electromagnetic wave regardless of frequency. Remember that X‑rays, being transverse EM waves, can indeed be polarized, though practical generation and analysis require suitable high‑energy techniques such as Bragg diffraction or Thomson scattering.

Can X-rays be polarised?

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** Yes, X-rays can be polarised. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** X-rays are transverse electromagnetic waves. Their electric field vector oscillates perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Hence, they can be polarised, similar to visible light [citation:2].

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