Amplitude will change after unpolarised wave passes through a polariod

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    Amplitude Change Wave
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on whether the amplitude of an unpolarized wave changes after passing through a polaroid filter. It explores the effects of polarization on light, particularly in relation to amplitude reduction.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if the amplitude changes after an unpolarized wave passes through a polaroid, seeking clarity on the topic.
  • Another participant suggests that there is no clear answer in the referenced material, indicating that the relationship between polarizers and amplitude may not be straightforward.
  • A different participant asserts that knowing the polarization of the light is essential to determine if amplitude changes occur when passing through a polaroid.
  • One participant claims that if the light is confirmed to be unpolarized, its amplitude will definitely decrease upon passing through a polarizer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the amplitude of unpolarized light decreases after passing through a polaroid, with some asserting it will decrease while others emphasize the need for prior knowledge of the light's polarization.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of understanding the initial polarization state of the light, which may affect the amplitude change upon passing through the polaroid. There is an unresolved aspect regarding the conditions under which amplitude reduction occurs.

tipsyteong
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Can i know whether the amplitude will change after unpolarised wave passes through a polariod?
 
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I don't think so..try reading here...I skimmed but did not see a clear cut answer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polarized_light

Under polarization effects in everyday life I found :

If two polarizers are placed atop one another at 90° angles to one another, there is minimal light transmission.

which sounds like amplitude reduction ?
 


tipsyteong said:
Can i know whether the amplitude will change after unpolarised wave passes through a polariod?

You can't know that unless you know the polarization of the light before it reaches the polaroid filter, so you either need to know the polarization of your light source, or pass it through a known polarizing filter beforehand.
 


If you know for a fact that the light is unpolarized, its amplitude will definitely decrease as it passes through a polarizer.
 

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