How do you find the angle of polarization? What is the formula?

In summary, The conversation discusses how to find the angle of polarization and the corresponding angle of refraction for ethyl alcohol. The formula and context of the question are unclear, but it is suggested to refer to a specific online resource that includes the refractive index of ethanol.
  • #1
lilkrazyrae
64
0
How do you find the angle of polarization? What is the formula? Its not in my physics book and I looked online and couldn't find it.
 
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  • #2
Polarization of what? Of some linearly polarized light? Or of a polarizing filter? What is the context of the question?
 
  • #3
the angle of polarization of ethyl alcohol.
 
  • #4
lilkrazyrae said:
the angle of polarization of ethyl alcohol.
Sorry, I'm still not understanding the question. Are you asking how ethyl alcohol can affect the polarization of light? Are you going to apply an electric field across the ethyl alcohol and measure the birefringence?
 
  • #5
ok the question reads exactly like this
Find the angle of polarization and the corresponding angle of refraction for ethyl alcohol.
That is all it says.
 
  • #6
Perhaps you are referring to http://scholar.hw.ac.uk/site/physics/topic8.asp?outline=" [Broken]?
You'll need the refractive index of ethanol
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #7
Thanks that helps!
 

1. How do you find the angle of polarization?

The angle of polarization can be found by using a polarizer and rotating it until the intensity of the transmitted light is at its minimum. The angle at which this occurs is the angle of polarization.

2. What is the formula for finding the angle of polarization?

The formula for finding the angle of polarization is θ = arctan(Imin/Imax), where θ represents the angle of polarization, Imin is the minimum intensity of the transmitted light, and Imax is the maximum intensity of the transmitted light.

3. Can the angle of polarization be found for all types of light?

Yes, the angle of polarization can be found for all types of light, including visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light.

4. What factors can affect the angle of polarization?

The angle of polarization can be affected by the material the light is passing through, the wavelength of the light, and the angle at which the light is incident on the material.

5. How is the angle of polarization used in scientific research?

The angle of polarization is used in a variety of scientific research fields, such as optics, materials science, and astronomy. It can be used to study the properties of materials, determine the composition of substances, and explore the polarization of light from distant objects in space.

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