The discussion centers on how polarizing light demonstrates its transverse wave nature. Polarized light waves exhibit vibrations in a single plane, which is a characteristic of transverse waves. The conversation highlights that electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields at right angles to each other. Understanding these concepts is crucial for grasping the principles of light polarization.
PREREQUISITESStudents in physics, educators teaching wave mechanics, and anyone interested in the properties of light and its applications in optics.
Polarized light waves are light waves in which the vibrations occur in a single plane?vela said:What does it mean for light to be polarized?
Im not sure.vela said:Vibrations of what?
vibrations of the light wave?vela said:Well, that's what your textbook is for.
vibrations of electric charges*hchakal said:vibrations of the light wave?
hchakal said:vibrations of electric charges*
I am clearly lost can you please explain the answer to me.Ray Vickson said:No. Vibrations of electric charge give rise to light waves, but the waves themselves can travel through empty space where there are no charges to vibrate. The electric and magnetic fields vibrate, and those are not material things.
Do you understand the concept of electric field?hchakal said:I am clearly lost can you please explain the answer to me.
yesharuspex said:Do you understand the concept of electric field?
Do you understand that an electromagnetic wave consists of an electric field and a magnetic field, at right angles, each oscillating?hchakal said:yes
some whatharuspex said:Do you understand that an electromagnetic wave consists of an electric field and a magnetic field, at right angles, each oscillating?
Then I suggest you read up on the net, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polarization_(waves) e.g., and come back to this thread with any questions you still have.hchakal said:some what