Why Is Light 100% Polarized at Brewster's Angle?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of light being 100% polarized at Brewster's angle, specifically seeking an explanation for this occurrence rather than merely memorizing it. The context includes concepts from optics and electromagnetic waves.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Brewster's law can be derived from the Fresnel laws, suggesting a theoretical basis for understanding the polarization of light at this angle.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether the phenomenon should be memorized or understood conceptually.
  • Another participant recommends consulting a specific textbook, "Principles of Optics" by Born & Wolf, as a resource for deeper understanding.
  • There is a suggestion that it may be easier to memorize the phenomenon rather than fully grasping the underlying principles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the phenomenon should be memorized or understood through derivation from the Fresnel laws. Multiple viewpoints regarding the approach to learning this concept remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference varying levels of physics knowledge, indicating that the discussion may depend on the reader's familiarity with optics and electromagnetic theory.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students in introductory physics courses, particularly those studying optics and electromagnetic waves.

mkkrnfoo85
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"The Scottish physicist Sir David Brewster discovered that for a certain angle of incidence, monochromatic light was 100% polarised upon reflection. The refracted beam was partially polarised, but the reflected beam was completely polarised parallel to the reflecting surface. Furthermore, he noticed that at this angle of incidence, the reflected and refracted beams were perpendicular''

my physics book doesn't really tell me why this is so. Is this just something I'm supposed to memorize? If not, could someone explain this to me? Thanks
 
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What level of physics do you have...?

Daniel.
 
Hi,

The Brewster's law is fully deductible from the Fresnel laws. Try to google with "reflection and transmission of electromagnetic waves", "Fresnel laws", etc. or find a book which covers these topics.

(But...it's easier to memorize it :biggrin: )

clive
 
dextercioby said:
What level of physics do you have...?

Daniel.

I'm in 2nd semester freshman physics. I've just touched upon electromagnetic waves last week, and optics this week.

clive said:
Hi,

The Brewster's law is fully deductible from the Fresnel laws. Try to google with "reflection and transmission of electromagnetic waves", "Fresnel laws", etc. or find a book which covers these topics.

(But...it's easier to memorize it :biggrin: )

clive

Thanks. I'll try that too. Yea, it kinda sounds like something I should maybe try to just memorize.
 
Nah,go to Born & Wolf "Principles of Optics" (any edition) first chaper...

Daniel.
 
ok i see it listed in my school library. ill see if i can get to it. Thanks.
 

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