Polarization and Light Intensity

In summary, the formula I=Icos^2theta only applies to polarization filters, not in this case. The Brewster's angle only calculates the angle for reflected light, not refracted light. This may cause confusion, so seeking advice is recommended. In cases where there is no refracted light, polarization is not significant. It is just a special case that can be disregarded. If there is no refracted light, it can be described as completely reflected, also known as total internal reflection.
  • #1
jisbon
476
30
Homework Statement
A beam of unpolarized light is incident onto air from a glass with a refractive index of 1.52
Given incident light intensity has the power of 10mW, find minimum incident angle when the power of refracted light becomes zero?
Relevant Equations
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Looked upon this and can't seem to find anything.
The formula I=Icos^2theta seems to only work for polarization filters, which is not this case.
On the other hand, the brewster's angle only c.aclates the angle when the REFLECTED light is polarized, not the REFRACTED light.
Hence I am confused and will like to seek advice on this.

Cheers.
 
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  • #2
Since it only asks about the case of zero refracted light, the polarization is barely significant. it is just removing a special case you might otherwise have had to consider.
If there is no refracted light, how would you describe where the light is going?
 
  • #3
haruspex said:
Since it only asks about the case of zero refracted light, the polarization is barely significant. it is just removing a special case you might otherwise have had to consider.
If there is no refracted light, how would you describe where the light is going?

Oh when the question means the power of refracted light becomes zero, it means it is completely reflected? Which means total internal reflection?
 
  • #4
jisbon said:
Oh when the question means the power of refracted light becomes zero, it means it is completely reflected? Which means total internal reflection?
That's how I read it.
 

1. What is polarization?

Polarization refers to the orientation of the electric field of a light wave. Light waves can be polarized in different directions, such as horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.

2. How does polarization affect light intensity?

Polarization does not directly affect light intensity. However, when unpolarized light passes through a polarizing filter, only the light waves with a specific orientation can pass through, resulting in a decrease in overall light intensity.

3. What is the difference between linear and circular polarization?

Linear polarization refers to the orientation of the electric field in a single direction, while circular polarization refers to the rotation of the electric field in a circular motion. Linear polarization can be achieved by passing light through a polarizing filter, while circular polarization is typically created through the use of specialized lenses or crystals.

4. How does the angle of incidence affect polarization?

The angle of incidence, or the angle at which light hits a surface, can affect the degree of polarization. When light hits a surface at a 90-degree angle, it is completely polarized. However, at other angles, the degree of polarization may vary.

5. What are some real-life applications of polarization and light intensity?

Polarization and light intensity have various applications in everyday life, such as in sunglasses to reduce glare, in LCD screens to control the amount of light passing through, and in 3D glasses to create the illusion of depth. They also have important uses in scientific fields such as astronomy, where polarization can help researchers study the properties of light from distant objects.

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