How Do Polaroid Filters Affect Light Perception?

[ziad123]

Homework Statement

A light source is viewed through 2 polaroid filters, A and B (B is infront of A)

a) describe carefully what is seen when polaroid B is rotated slowly in its own plane through 180 degrees.

b) describe how you would use one of the polaroid filters to determine whether the light from the source is polarised or not.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[dotman]

Hello,

There are some equations you could use that would help you figure this out, but its more of a conceptual question that can be figured out without them.

First, you have to ask yourself what happens when light passes through a polaroid filter-- how is the light on your side of the filter different than the light that entered the filter?

If you have two pair of polarized sunglasses, you should take them outside and see for yourself :-)

 

[ziad123]

thanks but sorry ... it doesn't answer my questions lol

 

[dotman]

thanks but sorry ... it doesn't answer my questions lol

I know it doesn't, I'm not going to do your homework for you. If you want some help here, you're going to have to show some effort. What have you done to try to answer these questions?

You can read a description of polaroid material, and what it does, here:

http://230nsc1.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/phyopt/polabs.html#c3"