Polarized light: Where did the magnetic field go?

The diagram was most likely showing the electric field of different polarization states, rather than the magnetic field. In summary, diagrams of polarized light often show only the electric field approaching and exiting the polarizing filter, but this does not mean the magnetic field is eliminated. The magnetic field is still present and is perpendicular to the electric field and direction of propagation. The confusion may arise from diagrams showing the electric field of different polarization states instead of the magnetic field.
  • #1
gauss44
49
0
Many of the diagrams of polarized light seem to show light with an electric field and a magnetic field approaching the polarizing filter, but only an electric field coming out of the filter. Where did the magnetic field* go? Does a filter that produces plane polarized light somehow eliminate the magnetic field? Does the magnetic field just pass through the filter unchanged, so long as the corresponding electric field is able to pass through?

*The magnetic field associated with the light that makes it through the filter.

(This question was inspired by an MCAT review book. I am not a student. I am studying for the medical school admissions test, to hopefully make it into medical school.)
 
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  • #2
It is still present and is perpendicular to the electric field and the direction of propagation. Perhaps your diagram was showing the electric field of different polarization states?
 
  • #3
Drakkith said:
It is still present and is perpendicular to the electric field and the direction of propagation. Perhaps your diagram was showing the electric field of different polarization states?

That must have been it.
 

1. What is polarized light?

Polarized light is a type of light that has its electric field oscillating in a specific direction. This results in a unique pattern of light waves that can be used to study the properties of light and the materials it interacts with.

2. How is polarized light related to the magnetic field?

Polarized light is affected by the magnetic field due to the fact that light is an electromagnetic wave. When light travels through a material, its electric field can interact with the material's magnetic field, causing the light to become polarized. This allows scientists to use polarized light to study the magnetic properties of materials.

3. Where is the magnetic field in polarized light?

The magnetic field in polarized light can be found in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the electric field. This means that the magnetic field is always at a right angle to the direction that the light waves are traveling.

4. How does polarized light help us understand the magnetic field?

Polarized light can be used to study the behavior of the magnetic field in different materials. By analyzing how the light waves are affected by the magnetic field of a material, scientists can gain insight into the structure and properties of that material's magnetic field. This helps us better understand the behavior of the magnetic field in different environments.

5. Can polarized light be used to detect changes in the magnetic field?

Yes, polarized light can be used as a sensitive tool to detect changes in the magnetic field. By analyzing how the polarized light is affected as it passes through a material, scientists can detect even small changes in the strength or direction of the magnetic field. This makes polarized light a valuable tool for monitoring and studying the magnetic field in various environments.

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