How Does Polarization Support the Wave Theory of Light?

AI Thread Summary
Polarization indicates that a wave, such as light, oscillates in a specific direction, supporting the wave theory by demonstrating its transverse nature. Light can be polarized, which means it can oscillate in one plane perpendicular to its direction of travel. This characteristic is not feasible if light were composed of particles, as particles would not exhibit such directional oscillation. Understanding polarization is essential for explaining various optical phenomena and the behavior of light. The discussion emphasizes the importance of detailing how polarization relates to the wave theory of light.
salsabel
Messages
17
Reaction score
0
How does polarization suppot the wave theoy of light?

A wave is polarized if it can only oscillate in one direction. The polarization of a transverse wave describes the direction of oscillation, in the plane perpendicular to the direction of travel.

Thats' what i got
Is that right?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Ask yourself, if light was corpuscules (particles), would polarisation be feasible?
 
salsabel said:
How does polarization suppot the wave theoy of light?

A wave is polarized if it can only oscillate in one direction. The polarization of a transverse wave describes the direction of oscillation, in the plane perpendicular to the direction of travel.

Thats' what i got
Is that right?

That sounds correct-ish but you should add in what polarization means for light.
 
Why does the question warrant a full description of the polarisation of light?
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'
Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...

Similar threads

Back
Top