Which of the following properties is NOT exhibited by sound waves?

Step 1: Analyze the question We need the one property that sound waves do NOT show.

Step 2: Explain the concept Sound waves are longitudinal waves. The particles of the medium vibrate back and forth along the same direction the wave travels (compressions and rarefactions).

Polarisation means restricting the vibrations of a wave to one plane. This only makes sense for transverse waves (like light), where vibrations are perpendicular to the direction of travel. In a longitudinal wave, there is only one direction of vibration (along the travel direction), so there is nothing to "filter" into a single plane.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Diffraction: Sound bends around corners and through doorways, which is why you can hear someone speaking around a wall. Exhibited.
• B. Interference: Sound waves produce beats and loud and quiet spots when they overlap. Exhibited.
• C. Polarisation: Not possible for longitudinal waves. Not exhibited.
• D. Reflection: Echoes are an example. Exhibited.
• E. Refraction: Sound bends when it passes through air layers of different temperatures (for example, sound carrying farther at night). Exhibited.

Step 4: Answer The property not shown by sound waves is polarisation, which is option C.

Tip: Remember: "Only transverse waves can be polarised." Whenever a question asks what sound (a longitudinal wave) cannot do, think polarisation first. Reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference are common to ALL waves.