Difference between optically active and inactive compounds

[Tahmeed]

Any polarised light's plane is shifted while passing from one medium to another for refraction. So, optically active or not, a solution of any compound will cause refraction because of its density. Then what's special in an optically active compound?

 

[Bystander]

It rotates the plane of polarized light.

 

[DrDu]

Also the index of refraction is different for left and right circularly polarised light.

 

[Tahmeed]

It rotates the plane of polarized light.

Doesnt a solution of ANY matter rotates the plane of light for refraction??

 

[Borek]

rotates the plane of light for refraction

Are you sure you understand what "rotates the plane of polarized light" means?

Do you know what polarized light is?

 

[DrDu]

Doesnt a solution of ANY matter rotates the plane of light for refraction??

We are not talking about refraction here, but the rotation of light while passing through a homogeneous solution.

 

[Tahmeed]

Are you sure you understand what "rotates the plane of polarized light" means?

Do you know what polarized light is?

Polarised light has electric and magnetic field component in only one direction?