Evidence that light is a transverse wave?

AI Thread Summary
Evidence supporting the transverse wave nature of light includes the experiment with two polaroids, where light intensity changes as one is rotated relative to the other. Additionally, manipulating Maxwell's equations leads to a wave equation that shows electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation. Historical evidence includes birefringence observed in natural crystals like calcite, which predates the invention of polaroids and Maxwell's equations. The first polarizing devices were made from these natural crystals, known as Nichol prisms, with reports of this phenomenon dating back to the 17th century. These points collectively reinforce the understanding of light as a transverse wave.
deepthishan
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I read that one of the evidence was the experiment done with two polaroids (where one is rotated relative to another).

Can you give me others please?

Thanks!
 
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Mathematically: you can manipulate Maxwell's equations. When you do it, you end up with a wave equation which has electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other and with their direction of propagation.
 
I understand that the the question is about original evidence.
One hint about transverse polarization of light was the birefringence observed in some natural crystals (calcite). There were no polaroids at that time. And neither Maxwell's equations.
Actually the first polarizing devices were made from these natural crystals (Nichol prisms).
The first reports of this phenomena date from the 17th century, I think.
 
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