Cheap fun with polarized light

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a proposed experiment involving polarized light, aimed at entertaining guests at a quantum physics-themed gathering. Participants explore the mechanics of using polarized lenses to demonstrate light intensity changes and the wave-particle duality of light.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests a method to engage guests by manipulating light intensity through polarized lenses, proposing a sequence of lens alignments.
  • Another participant inquires about the sources for obtaining polarizer lenses, mentioning the use of polarizers from LCD screens in calculators as a potential option.
  • A third participant confirms the effectiveness of using polarized clip-on sunglasses for the experiment, noting it as a simple demonstration of the wave nature of light.
  • Several participants express enthusiasm for the experiment and share personal anecdotes about their experiences with polarized lenses.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the feasibility and fun aspect of the proposed experiment, but there is no consensus on the best source for polarizer lenses or the specific details of the setup.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention using different types of polarizers, which may imply varying effectiveness or results. The discussion does not resolve the best method for obtaining or using polarizers.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in demonstrations of optical physics, educators looking for engaging experiments, and hobbyists exploring the properties of light.

Chronos
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Looking for ways to liven up your next quantum physics party? Shine a light through a polarized lens. Align and rotate a 2nd lens until the light intensity is reduced to 50%. Align and rotate a 3rd lens until the light intensity is reduced to 25%. Next ask your guests what will happen to the light intensity if you remove the 2nd lens. Have accomplice standing by with camcorder to record audience reaction when you remove the 2nd lens.
 
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Nice experiment. Where do you get such polarizer lenses (camera filters?) ?
A while ago I opened some cheap calculators and took the polarizers from the LCD.
Haven't tried your experiment though. Maybe I will show it to my brother and sister
and (hopefully) impress them :approve:


-Edgardo
 
Edgardo said:
Nice experiment. Where do you get such polarizer lenses (camera filters?) ?
A while ago I opened some cheap calculators and took the polarizers from the LCD.
Haven't tried your experiment though. Maybe I will show it to my brother and sister
and (hopefully) impress them :approve:


-Edgardo

Polarized sunglasses will probably do. If people think of them as just dark filers it will probably add to the effect.
 
I bought 2 pairs of polarized clip-ons years ago for this exact experiment. Worked like a charm, and is a simple way to show the wave nature of light. A photo more or less demonstrates the particle nature of light, so that makes it easy to show the duality.
 
Edgardo said:
Nice experiment. Where do you get such polarizer lenses (camera filters?) ?
A while ago I opened some cheap calculators and took the polarizers from the LCD.
Haven't tried your experiment though. Maybe I will show it to my brother and sister
and (hopefully) impress them :approve:


-Edgardo
http://www.anchoroptical.com/Products/Display.cfm?catid=267
 
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