Brewster's Angle: Light in Ethanol to Crown Glass - Significance

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of Brewster's angle, which is the angle of incidence at which some phenomenon is at its maximum. The significance of this angle is that it allows for the complete polarization of reflected light parallel to the interface. The formula for finding Brewster's angle is sin 0R = ni(sin 48.2)/nR and it is important in understanding how certain optical devices work.
  • #1
physicsgal
164
0
question:

'light travels from ethanol into crown glass. what's the brewster's angle?' and what is the significance of this angle?'

so i have:
nr = 1.52 (crown glass
ni = 1.36 (ethanol)

so it's 1.52/1.36 tan-1 = 48.2 degrees?

and what is the significance of 48 degrees?

any help is appreciated. :wink:

~Amy
 
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  • #2
They're not asking what is the significance of 48 degrees. They're asking what is special about Brewster's angle. For example, what practical optical devices take advantage of the Brewster's angle phenomenon?
 
  • #3
k.. just reading the question here, in my first post i just wrote the short version of the question. is says:

..."what is the significance of this angle of incidence?"

sorry for any confusion..

~Amy
 
  • #4
The Brewster's angle is the angle of incidence at which some phenomenon is at its maximum. If you can find the formula, you should be able to find the phenomenon.
 
  • #5
here's what i wrote:
Note: 0 = theta

'sin 0R = ni(sin 48.2)/nR
0R = 41.8 degrees

the angle of incidence is important because (0B = 48.2) + (0R = 41.8) = 90 degrees. the angle of 90 degrees indicates the reflected light is completely polarized parallel to the interface.'


~Amy
 

1. What is Brewster's Angle?

Brewster's Angle is the angle of incidence at which light is completely polarized when it reflects off a dielectric surface.

2. How is Brewster's Angle related to light in ethanol to crown glass?

Brewster's Angle is significant in the study of light in ethanol to crown glass because it helps to determine the refractive index of the medium. The angle at which light is completely polarized can be used to calculate the refractive index of the medium.

3. Why is the study of Brewster's Angle important in the field of optics?

Understanding Brewster's Angle allows us to control and manipulate the polarization of light, which is essential in many optical technologies, such as polarization filters and 3D glasses.

4. What is the significance of studying light in ethanol to crown glass?

Studying light in ethanol to crown glass allows us to understand the behavior of light as it passes through different mediums, which is crucial in various industries such as telecommunications, photography, and medicine.

5. How can the knowledge of Brewster's Angle be applied in real-world applications?

The understanding of Brewster's Angle has practical applications in fields such as optics, astronomy, and remote sensing. It is also used in the design and construction of optical instruments and devices, such as polarizing filters and spectacles.

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